Driver fatigue was the third leading cause of road accidents in Fiji last year, and the Land Transport Authority together with Nestle Fiji marked International Coffee Day by highlighting their long-running “Stop, Revive, Survive” campaign.
Team Leader of Road Safety Education at the LTA, Rajesh Narayan says the campaign is aimed at tackling driver fatigue and promoting road safety by encouraging drivers to pull over and rest whenever they feel tired.
He says as part of the campaign, teams from the LTA and Nestlé will be travelling across Fiji to educate drivers on the importance of taking short breaks.
While acknowledging the progress in reducing fatigue-related fatalities, Narayan stressed that speeding remains the leading cause of road deaths in Fiji.
Narayan says that although drivers are constantly reminded to travel at safe and appropriate speeds, some continue to ignore critical factors such as road conditions, weather, and their current speed.
He is urging everyone to play their part in reducing road risks by using designated pedestrian crossings, and for parents to hold their children’s hands when walking near roads.
Narayan also highlighted that passengers are the second-highest group affected by road fatalities, urging them to speak up if drivers are speeding, avoid distracting the driver, and always wear seatbelts.
General Manager for Neste in Fiji and the Pacific, Timothy Inkster says they have been working with the LTA for nearly 10 years, helping to ensure that drivers are both physically and mentally prepared whenever they get behind the wheel.
He says the community-focused campaign is less about statistics and more about raising awareness and changing road habits.
