The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is urging motorists to heighten their awareness of road safety, especially for children, following a tragic incident in Kulukulu, Sigatoka, where a 3-year-old boy lost his life after being struck by a vehicle driven by a 38-year-old woman. This unfortunate event occurred while the child was crossing the road with his grandmother.
Irimaia Rokosawa, LTA Chief Executive Officer, expressed profound condolences to the bereaved family, emphasizing the deep sorrow associated with losing a young life. “The loss of any life on our roads is deeply tragic, but the death of a young child is particularly heartbreaking,” he remarked, highlighting the vulnerability of children as road users and the shared responsibility of parents, guardians, and drivers in safeguarding them.
Rokosawa called on motorists to prioritize safety in areas where children are prevalent, such as schools and residential neighborhoods. He noted that a brief moment of distraction could have catastrophic consequences, urging drivers to slow down near pedestrian crossings and remain vigilant, particularly in school zones and busy streets.
While acknowledging the crucial role of drivers in maintaining road safety, Rokosawa underlined that pedestrians, especially children, also bear responsibility for their safety. He encouraged adults to supervise children near roadways and to instill knowledge about traffic rules and safe crossing habits from an early age.
Additionally, he reminded drivers of the importance of following traffic signs, adhering to speed limits, and remaining distraction-free, particularly by not using mobile phones while driving.
The LTA remains committed to bolstering road safety initiatives and is actively collaborating with the Fiji Police Force and other stakeholders to raise public awareness and enforce regulations aimed at reducing road-related injuries and fatalities. These efforts underscore the crucial need for understanding and practicing road safety to ensure the well-being of all road users, especially the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.