The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has issued a strong warning to drivers following a serious accident in Lakeba that has left one passenger in critical condition. The incident took place on the uphill section of Tabusue, where a truck carrying 15 passengers veered off the road and plunged into a ditch.
According to LTA Chief Executive Irimaia Rokosawa, preliminary investigations have determined that the driver possessed a Group two automatic licence with Condition seven, which prohibits the operation of vehicles other than automatic ones. Despite this restriction, the driver was behind the wheel of a manual transmission truck at the time of the crash.
Rokosawa explained, “Initial assessments suggest that while attempting to change gears while driving uphill, the driver failed to maintain proper control of the vehicle, resulting in the crash.” He emphasized that adhering to licence classes and conditions is not merely a formality, but a vital safety measure that ensures drivers are adequately trained and equipped to handle specific vehicles, particularly heavy ones and those with manual transmissions.
“Driving outside your licence class puts not only your life at risk but also the lives of your passengers and other road users,” he added. This incident highlights the severe consequences of non-compliance with licensing regulations, reinforcing the message that holding a valid licence does not equate to the authority to operate all types of vehicles.
The LTA’s reminder serves as a critical call to action for drivers to adhere strictly to their licensing conditions for the safety of themselves and others on the road.