In Fiji, road safety has emerged as a critical concern, with 296 lives lost over the past five years. The alarming statistic, which includes 83 fatalities in the past year alone, was revealed by the Fiji Police Force during the National Transport Infrastructure Consultative Forum, highlighting an urgent need for intervention.
Deputy Police Commissioner Aporosa Lutunauga noted a troubling upward trend in road accidents. In 2021, there were 2,643 accidents that resulted in 134 serious injuries and 25 deaths. The following year, 2022, saw a steep increase to 3,096 accidents, which led to 147 serious injuries and 44 fatalities. The year 2023 mirrored this concerning trend with 3,667 accidents recorded, resulting in 130 serious injuries and 78 fatalities. As of 2024, although the number of fatalities slightly decreased to 66, the overall accidents surged to 4,890, with 264 serious injuries.
The police highlighted that the main causes of these accidents include speeding, careless driving, pedestrian irresponsibility, and drunk driving. These issues persist despite multiple warnings, indicating a significant road safety challenge that remains unresolved.
The Fiji Police assert that the statistics reveal preventable patterns and urge a collective response to enhance road safety. This collaborative effort must involve law enforcement, education, engineering, and emergency response sectors working together effectively. There is hope that through these unified initiatives, Fiji can move toward a future with better road safety and a decrease in tragic road-related deaths.