Bula
Almost one year after presenting its original report in May 2023, the Fiscal Review Committee chaired by lawyer Richard Naidu has sent a report card to the Government, telling them point blank that they have to pull up their socks. That’s the big news on the front page of the Fiji Times for Monday, June 17.
In the second story, we learn that the remedy for all the issues affecting the vanua is with the leadership. (Na iwali ni veika me baleta na vanua e tikoga ena kena veiliutaki). This, according to the Great Council of Chiefs chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula.
Synopsis
Three tragic accidents at the weekend serve as reminders of the importance of road safety.
The road death toll now stands at 24, 21 less than the road toll last year, following the three deaths.
On Friday afternoon, a 59-year-old died after the vehicle he was driving veered onto the opposite lane and collided with another car.
On Saturday at Kinoya in Nasinu, three people walking beside the road were hit by a car, resulting in the death of a 41-year-old man.
In the Northern Division, a 5-year-old child became a victim of a hit-and-run accident along the Lekutu-Nabouwalu highway.
As investigations continue into all three cases, we are reminded about the need for road safety.
We should be reminded about the importance of being aware of road safety messages. We should be empowered by what we can do to stay safe on our roads. We should also be reminded about the need for us to be vigilant, and to be proactive.
Road accidents are terrifying. There is blood and when there is a death, this is difficult to get over.
There is a cost factor involved when one considers the productive life of a victim which is lost because of an accident.
This is worsened when people are left crippled and some lose body parts because of an accident.
In cases of serious accidents that cause injuries, there are people who become dependent on others for the rest of their lives.
Death is a part of life. That is our reality. We live and we shall all die one day. However, deaths on our roads because of accidents are unfortunate.
As much as we do not want to see road accidents, they happen because we allow them to.
Every year we have campaigns that target figures. We talk about challenges we face on our roads. We discuss safety measures, and we talk about why we should be attentive.
We now also call on the powers that be to look into the process of nurturing new drivers, and see whether it is working for us, and in line with accepted standards around the world.
Are we grooming new drivers well, and is the system the right match to ensure drivers can get behind the wheel with confidence, and are reassured by good general knowledge and an appreciation of safety standards?
Road rules and laws are designed to keep us all safe on our roads.
We also look up to the powers that be to ensure issues such as road markings are dealt with, and there are clear road signs put up. Then there is the issue of good roads, and those tasked with the responsibility to fix potholes are doing that.
Aside from pedestrians having to abide by road rules, drivers have a huge responsibility every time they get behind the wheel.
Common sense will dictate that we do not drink and drive or take a rest if we feel sleepy during a journey.
We must understand and appreciate that safety matters, and lives depend on drivers taking responsibility for their actions. Stay well and drive safely!
