The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has issued a serious warning to drivers in the aftermath of a grave accident in Lakeba that has left one passenger in critical condition. The accident occurred on the uphill segment of Tabusue when a truck, transporting 15 passengers, veered off the road and fell into a ditch.
LTA Chief Executive Irimaia Rokosawa shared that preliminary investigations indicate the driver held a Group two automatic licence with Condition seven, which prohibits driving vehicles other than automatic ones. Despite this restriction, the driver was operating a manual transmission truck at the time of the crash.
Rokosawa elaborated that the early assessments suggest the driver lost control while attempting to change gears while driving uphill, leading to the unfortunate incident. He underscored the importance of adhering to specific licence classes and conditions, stressing that such protocols are essential safety measures that ensure drivers are adequately trained for the vehicles they operate, especially heavier vehicles and those with manual transmissions.
“Driving outside your licence class puts not only your life but also the lives of your passengers and other road users at risk,” Rokosawa stated. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences that can arise from not complying with licensing regulations, reinforcing the fact that possessing a valid driver’s licence does not grant the authority to drive all types of vehicles.
The LTA’s warning acts as a vital call to action for all drivers to abide by their licensing conditions to safeguard themselves and others on the road. This message is crucial as road safety remains a collective responsibility, ultimately aiming for a safer driving environment for everyone.