55 lives lost on roads due to speeding and motor vehicle accidents

55 lives have been lost on our roads and of these 55 fatalities, a significant number have been caused by speeding.

This was highlighted by Accident Compensation Commission Fiji Chief Executive Officer Parvez Akbar during their board meeting who says speeding continues to be the major cause of deaths and serious injuries from motor vehicle accidents whereby approximately $52 million has been approved in compensation for victims of motor vehicles, employment and school accidents.

Akbar says around 80 percent of the applications received by ACCF for compensation of serious injuries and deaths, have speeding as the contributing factor to the accident.

He says ACCF sees the impact of these deaths and injuries on individuals and families daily and the ripple effect on families, communities, colleagues, the health system and the economy is unacceptable as one life lost is one too many.

Akbar further says the current statistics for injuries and deaths on our roads are shocking and disgraceful and all these serious injuries and deaths are unnecessary and avoidable.

The CEO says if drivers avoid their vehicle speed, it will prevent many crashes, lessen the severity of injuries sustained by the victims and prevent death.

He says drivers must never drive more than the speed limit and ensure that their speed is safe for the road conditions such as slowing down if the road is winding, bumpy, narrow, or wet and stopping suddenly if required.

Akbar urges drivers to be patient on the roads and not take risks as they should plan their journey and leave early.

He further says drivers should ensure they are well rested before they drive, do not consume alcohol or other intoxicating substances, and buckle up.

Akbar also urges other road users to be careful and share the road safely, including pedestrians.

The CEO says ACCF will not pay compensation to drivers who suffer serious injuries if they are convicted of an offence for any act or omission that directly caused the accident and other exclusions also apply.