Drivers must exercise heightened awareness and responsible driving behaviours, particularly when navigating challenging road conditions such as potholes.
This is following the death of a 12-year-old boy of Sabeto, Nadi on Wednesday after falling out of the moving carrier.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu says it is alleged that he was amongst other youths traveling along Natadola and seated on the back tray of the carrier.
Driu says they drove through potholes, which had caused the student to fall out of the moving vehicle and landing on the tarseal road.
Land Transport Authority CEO Irimaia Rokosawa says this unfortunate loss of life was preventable and highlighted the critical need for adherence to road safety principles.
Rokowasa says safety begins with responsible driving as drivers hold an immense responsibility for the safety of all passengers in their vehicles.
He says when navigating roads with potholes or uneven surfaces, drivers should reduce speed and drive cautiously to minimise risks.
The CEO says drivers need to understand that their actions can have life-altering consequences and reckless driving has no place on our roads.
He has also emphasised the important role passengers play in ensuring their own safety and unsafe behaviour, such as riding in dangerous areas like the back tray of a vehicle or distracting the driver.
The LTA and Fiji Roads Authority are yet to respond to questions on road conditions resulting in the accident.
