SUVA, Fiji (08 April 2025): The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is urging all road users to exercise greater caution and responsibility following the tragic deaths of two individuals in their 60s in separate road incidents in the Western Division recently. Both victims lost their lives after veering off the road due to a loss of vehicle control—an outcome that highlights the devastating consequences of speeding and unsafe driving behaviours.
While it is always disheartening to learn of yet another life lost on our roads, LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa said the incidents were a painful reminder of the urgency with which road users must re-evaluate their choices behind the wheel.
Mr Rokosawa stressed the ongoing concern that despite countless awareness efforts and public safety messages, some drivers continued to disregard the basic principles of road safety.
“Speeding and engaging in reckless driving behaviours must stop. These recent incidents reinforce the critical need for all drivers to be vigilant, responsible, and proactive in preventing road accidents,” he said.
In both cases in Lautoka and Rakiraki, preliminary police investigations indicate that inadequate steering control was a contributing factor. These incidents are not isolated; there have been other serious road accidents resulting in passenger hospitalizations, including children. Many of these accidents have been attributed to speeding, reckless driving behaviours and failure to comply with road safety regulations.
The CEO said road safety was not the sole responsibility of the driver alone, but a collective effort involving every member of the community—drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
“We are urging all motorists to strictly adhere to posted speed limits and obey all road safety advisories issued by the authorities. Proper steering control, staying alert at all times, and maintaining a safe speed are critical elements that can make the difference between life and death,” Mr Rokosawa said.
He said LTA was engaged in joint enforcement operations around the country with Police and municipal councils to ramp up public education campaigns, community outreach in schools, business houses, and targeted enforcement activities to reduce road accidents and fatalities.
“However, the effectiveness of these initiatives ultimately depends on the willingness of individuals to make responsible choices on our roads. This includes the choice to adhere to speed limits, the choice to be patient on our roads as a driver, the choice to follow road safety measures as pedestrians and passengers, and the choice to take adequate rest if one is feeling fatigue on the road,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“We can put up signs, carry out campaigns, and increase enforcement, but unless drivers, passengers and pedestrians internalise the importance of these measures and act accordingly, our efforts will not yield the change we urgently need to save lives on our roads.”
He said simple actions such as reducing speed in poor weather conditions, avoiding distractions while driving, and ensuring vehicle maintenance are up to standard can go a long way in preventing accidents.
In addition, the Authority is encouraging passengers and pedestrians to play their part in fostering safer roads by speaking up against unsafe driving, using designated crossing points, and remaining alert in traffic environments.
As investigations into the two fatal accidents continue, Mr Rokosawa encouraged the public to treat each journey on our roads with care and responsibility.
“We will continue to emphasise that every life lost on our roads is one too many. We need to commit ourselves to safer driving practices and ensure that such tragedies are not repeated,” the CEO said.
To ensure safety on our roads, members of the public are urged to assist the LTA by reporting dangerous driving or reckless driving behaviours via our LTA complaints platforms – Text to 582, email help@lta.com.fj / complaints@lta.com.fj or calling the Call Centre on 3392166. Complaints can also be filed via the LTA live chat service on our website at https://www.lta.com.fj
