The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is urging parents, guardians, and motorists to enhance their vigilance following a tragic incident in Nasovatava, Nadroga/Navosa, where a four-year-old child lost their life after being struck by a vehicle. This unfortunate event marks the first road fatality in Fiji for 2023.
Initial police reports indicate that the child ran onto the roadway and was hit by a vehicle driven by a man in his thirties. Despite immediate transport to Sigatoka Hospital, the child was pronounced dead upon arrival.
LTA Chief Executive Irimaia Rokosawa extended his heartfelt condolences to the mourning family and pointed out that this incident highlights the dangers associated with Fiji’s roadways. He stressed the critical need for supervision, especially for young children who may not fully understand traffic risks.
Mr. Rokosawa called upon parents and guardians to closely supervise children in the vicinity of roads and driveways. He also appealed to drivers to maintain constant attention while driving to protect vulnerable road users. He emphasized that ensuring road safety is a shared responsibility, with motorists, pedestrians, and passengers all playing vital roles in preventing such tragic occurrences.
Moreover, he encouraged community leaders, neighbors, and all road users to look out for one another, particularly during school holidays when traffic tends to increase and children are more frequently outdoors.
To address these safety concerns, the LTA, together with the Fiji Police Force, is actively engaging in awareness campaigns and road monitoring initiatives aimed at reducing reckless driving behaviors and improving overall road safety. By fostering a strong culture of vigilance and collective care, the community can stand united in preventing similar tragedies in the future, ultimately aiming to create a safer environment for all road users.