On this day last year, a Nadi man died instantly at Lomolomo, between Nadi and Lautoka when the vehicle he was driving collided with a bus carrying 20 passengers around midday.
Firefighters struggled to dismantle the wreckage to get to the body which was trapped under the bus.
After 45 minutes, they finally managed to retrieve the body before it was loaded in a body bag and taken to the Lautoka Hospital.
Eyewitnesses who live along the Lomolomo stretch described the accident as scary.
That’s the reality of road accidents, and road safety! Accidents do happen, and people are hurt, or die!
In the wake of an accident at Vitogo, just outside Lautoka City this week, we again raise the issue of road safety. We may sound like a record on replay mode, but it is imperative that people are encouraged to be vigilant and to be appreciative of road safety.
We raise the issue of awareness, and of being mindful of safety when driving or travelling on our roads.
We raise the issue of road works, including road markings, and fixing potholes. The police need us to play our part in ensuring proper usage of our roads.
That means ensuring we service our vehicle on time, checking that our vehicle tyres are in good condition, and planning our journey.
It means having enough rest before we go on long journeys, and pulling over to take time out if we feel sleepy along the way.
It means the powers that be are encouraged to address challenges like potholes, road markings and ensuring there are signs on our roads that clearly spell out what drivers need to be aware of, from speed limits, pedestrian crossings, villages, public schools, to rest stops for instance.
We talk a lot about road safety. We do so much talking, you’d expect everyone to be switched on. Unfortunately, that does not happen.
People are still taking a lot of things for granted. Many are still flirting with danger and death.
Many probably feel they are invincible and nothing can happen to them, so they test the boundaries on the roads.
And while we are it, the powers that be also have a responsibility to ensure our roads are safe, and every effort has been made to ensure standards meet expectations.
So, again, we urge drivers, and other road users to be mindful of how they use our roads.
Stop sending text messages while you are driving, if you are doing that.
Don’t be distracted by the mobile phone.
Plan your journey, and plan to arrive on time, alive!
As we remember last year’s tragic accident and reflect on the recent incident in Vitogo, let us renew our commitment to road safety. Be aware, be responsible, and be safe.
We all have a responsibility to make it home alive.
