41 fatalities have been recorded so far this year due to road accidents with speeding, driver fatigue and pedestrian errors being the major contributing factors.
This was highlighted by the Land Transport Authority Leader for Road Safety and Education, Gerald Nathan during the event today at Kundan Singh Supermarket in Tamavua.
While speaking to fijivillage News, Nathan says the data from the Traffic & Transport Control Division shows that speeding, drunk driving, and careless driving are the leading causes of road accidents between 2013 to 2024.
Nathan says in 2023, there were 40 reported fatalities compared to 63 in 2022 for the same period.
Nathan encourages families to talk about road safety during everyday conversations, making it a habit that will instill greater awareness among all.
Meanwhile, Nescafé’s Brand Activation Manager, Manisha Prasad says the campaign aims to raise awareness about driver fatigue and promote road safety.
Prasad says the Nescafé team, alongside LTA, will continue spreading this awareness throughout this month with brand activations planned across the Central Division.
At the event, a taxi driver from Tacirua East Rakesh Kumar with 35 years of experience in driving shared his thoughts on the importance of resting during long drives.
He says he observes that reckless driving, particularly among those who drive for extended hours without breaks is a major cause of accidents.
Kumar says the bus drivers often race each other on the roads, creating dangerous situations for passengers and other drivers.
He also highlights that many young drivers especially those with less experience tend to drive recklessly without fully understanding the consequences of their actions.
He urges LTA to step up their efforts in driver education and proper license verification.
