The news that a three-vehicle collision in Sigatoka on Sunday afternoon resulted in the death of a taxi driver from Dilkusha, Nausori is cause for concern.
We learn that Mohammed Khan, 41, may be the first road fatality of 2024.
Police spokesperson Wame Boutolu said the taxi in which the victim was travelling collided with an oncoming vehicle at a sharp bend along the Queens Highway.
The two occupants of the taxi were taken to Sigatoka hospital for treatment.
The driver of the oncoming vehicle is in serious condition and is admitted at the Lautoka Hospital.
Every road death is a tragedy, and is avoidable.
Every time there is a death on our roads, we are reminded about the fragility of life and the need to urgently address the issue of road safety head-on.
Mr Khan leaves behind a grieving family.
They will reflect on his life. they will miss him dearly and will have to live with memories of their times together.
As police investigations continue, we are reminded about road safety.
We are reminded about the fact that accidents happen because we allow them.
We are also reminded about the fact that every year we talk about road safety.
We discuss measures to ensure we are safe on our roads.
We talk about the need to be careful and vigilant.
Again, we reflect on a few things we hope the powers that be can consider.
Are our roads designed with safety in mind?
Are there adequate warning signs and measures in place to alert drivers of potential hazards?
Are we investing enough in road maintenance and upgrades to ensure they are up to par with the increasing volume of traffic?
Furthermore, the human element cannot be ignored.
Was speeding a factor?
Were there distractions?
Did distractions play a role?
Was fatigue or impaired driving involved?
While we await answers from the police investigation, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of responsible driving.
Let us turn our grief into action, our despair into determination, and work collectively to make our roads safer for everyone.
Let 2024 be the year we commit to ending the needless and heartbreaking loss of life on Fiji’s highways.
There were 72 deaths on our roads last year compared with 38 for the same period the previous year.
And out of the 72, 10 deaths were attributed to dangerous driving.
Speeding, LTA acting CEO Irimaia Rokosawa said, has consistently emerged as the leading cause of deaths on our roads, claiming 286 lives since 2013.
Last year, 33 deaths happened because of speeding.
The consequences of dangerous driving are many, and deadly.
We need common sense, to appreciate life, not be selfish, and be considerate of others.
The LTA and police need our support to ensure everyone is safe this festive season!
