SUVA, Fiji (4th August 2025): As part of its continued efforts to promote safer roads and responsible driving, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in collaboration with Procera Music will be promoting road safety programmes on the theme “The Faster You Go, The Bigger the Mess” at this year’s Fiji Music Carnival in Nasinu.
The Fiji Music Carnival 2025 launched last Saturday and will continue until 9th August at the Valelevu ground.
LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa said the Authority would use the carnival as a vital platform to promote responsible road behaviour among drivers, pedestrians, and passengers.
“With speeding identified as the leading cause of accidents on our roads, this year’s carnival theme serves as a timely and powerful reminder that speeding kills. Driver fatigue kills. Reckless and dangerous driving behaviours kill,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“And it doesn’t just leave behind wreckage on the road — it leaves shattered families, deep emotional scars, and lasting mental anguish. Through awareness, education, and engagement, LTA aims to encourage all road users to make safer choices and help prevent the tragic loss of life on our roads.”
He said the carnival would allow the Authority to connect with thousands of Fijians in a relaxed and festive environment, making it an ideal opportunity to raise awareness about the devastating consequences of speeding and unsafe driving practices.
“Our Road Safety Education team will be at the Valelevu ground throughout the carnival, distributing educational materials, answering questions, and engaging with families on how everyone can play a part in making our roads safer,” Mr Rokosawa added.
Similar to the recent Nadi Bula Festival, the LTA booth features a wrecked vehicle display - urging all road users to stay alert and practise safe road habits. The striking visual serves as an important reminder that a split-second decision can change lives on our roads and that the “Faster You Go, The Bigger the Mess” when you choose to speed beyond the limits.
“We want people to leave the carnival not just entertained, but inspired to make a change. If even one life can be saved by someone choosing to slow down or buckle up after hearing our message, then we would have made a real difference,” he said.
Mr Rokosawa urged all road users to attend the carnival, enjoy the entertainment, and take the opportunity to reflect on the importance of road safety.
“We are also offering after-hours services from 4.30pm until 8pm at the Carnival so those who missed out on accessing our services during our official business hours can access those services at our booth at the Valelevu ground,” he said.
LTA Manager Road Safety Education Watilala Fonu said the Authority’s message this year was about reaching the hearts and minds of road users.
She said members of the public would be invited to make a road safety pledge to stick on the wrecked vehicle declaring their commitment to being a responsible road user.
“Many drivers underestimate how quickly a situation can turn fatal when speed is involved or when they lose control of their steering, experience driver fatigue or engage in reckless driving behaviours. Our campaign is about helping people truly understand that slowing down and adhering to road safety measures and regulations can save lives, including their own.
“We will run educational games for children, showcase the impact of crashes through visual displays, and hold short awareness talks this week from Monday to Friday (2pm-5pm),” Ms Fonu said.
A wide range of engaging activities will be held, especially for children and young participants, including poetry recitals, art and craft competitions, children’s safety quizzes, poster and drawing contests, trivia games, treasure hunts, “What Am I?” guessing games, road safety skits, and general audience quizzes on road safety.
