SUVA, Fiji (2nd June 2025): The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is urging all motorists to take greater responsibility on our roads following two tragic road fatalities over the weekend.
According to preliminary reports from the Fiji Police Force, the first incident occurred in Ba and involved a suspected hit-and-run, where an unidentified iTaukei man, believed to be in his 40s, was found dead at the scene.
A second incident took place along Lodoni Road near Nananu Village in Korovou, where a man in his 20s lost his life after reportedly losing control of his vehicle and veering off road. Both incidents are currently under police investigation.
While the recent road fatalities were unfortunate, LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa expressed concern over the growing trend of road users ignoring traffic laws and safety guidelines, resulting in preventable tragedies.
“These incidents are a reminder that reckless and careless driving endangers lives — both your own and those of innocent road users,” Mr. Rokosawa said.
He reiterated that driving is a serious responsibility and must be approached with vigilance, discipline, and full compliance with road rules at all times.
“These recent fatalities reinforce the urgent need for every driver to take road safety seriously. It only takes a split second of poor judgment to cause irreversible harm – we continue to echo the message that one life lost on our roads is one too many,” the CEO said.
Despite ongoing efforts by the LTA to promote road safety awareness, Mr. Rokosawa said some motorists continued to ignore traffic regulations.
“It is critical for all drivers to act with care. Road accidents do not just affect the driver—they affect families, communities, and the nation,” he said.
The CEO outlined several key areas of concern, urging drivers to obey speed limits at all times, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, minimise distractions such as mobile phone use, wear seat belts and ensure vehicles are properly maintained and roadworthy.
“Speeding remains the major cause of road fatalities this year and significantly reduces one’s ability to react to road hazards, increasing the severity of crashes. Slowing down saves lives and this is what we continue to emphasise to all drivers,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“Distractions—whether it's texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting controls—can take your attention off the road at a critical moment. Even a few seconds of inattention can result in tragedy.”
He also warned against the dangers of drunk driving, noting that alcohol impaired one’s ability to make sound decisions and respond quickly.
Mr Rokosawa said the Authority would continue its partnership with Police and other key stakeholders to address road safety issues through stronger enforcement and public education.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility that begins with individual choices. Whether you are going to work, taking your children to school, or making a quick trip to the shop, the rules of the road apply to everyone, everywhere, at all times,” the CEO said.
“Collaboration is essential to creating safer roads, but meaningful change depends on each driver making the right choices. Road safety must be a personal priority,” Mr. Rokosawa said.
To ensure safety on our roads, members of the public are urged to assist the LTA by reporting dangerous driving or poor 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.f
