Group two licensed drivers have been behind some of Fiji’s road fatalities this year, says acting Land Transport Authority (LTA) CEO Irimaia Rokosawa.
He said in previous years, public service vehicle (PSV) drivers were the cause of serious accidents, but the trend had since shifted.
“We want to address group two holders in terms of driving behaviors that are currently being witnessed by every Fijian,” he said.
“It is quite alarming that there’s a change in the trend.
“Previously PSV drivers seem to be heavily involved in road accidents, now the trend has changed and now we are seeing more and more group two being involved in these accidents.”
He said the LTA led driving academy would provide a solution to this problem.
“While we are trying to address the PSV driver’s class changes in the driving academy, discussions are also in place to also ensure that road safety curriculums are also taught in this driving academy.
“It is important that these curriculums strengthen our policies and expectations of our group two drivers.”
He added that the academy would also seek to help address the loss of skilled PSV drivers.
“We are seeing the loss of group five drivers to overseas countries and we are looking at that by helping upgrade our group four and group six drivers.
“Maybe in the future the exit of a group nine, maybe even group six holders and these are key components of economic development in Fiji.
“So the Government of the day together with the LTA and also Higher Education Commission, we are trying to address this through the academy.”
