Statistics show that road accidents in Fiji have actually dropped over the years, says Transport Minister Faiyaz Koya.
In Parliament this month he said in 2017 Fiji recorded 3276 accidents and in 2021 the number had decreased by 19.3 per cent to 2643.
“This is an average of 4 per cent reduction per year over the five years,” Mr Koya said.
“So, despite being slightly lower than the target of 5 per cent annually from 2011, Fiji actually achieved a reduction of 5 per cent in 2012.
“What we also need to realise, the main cause of accidents in Fiji includes speeding, drunk driving, careless driving and also pedestrians that maybe at fault.
“Despite the reducing numbers, the main causes of road accidents and fatalities are actually attributed to human era and therefore, as I said earlier, it actually incumbent that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
Mr Koya said the Fiji Roads Authority was working on improving 30 different black spots around the country.
He said 40 kilometres of route action plans were in place.
“For example, the overtaking lanes, et cetera, that have been done, 30 village treatments that have been completed, 60 mass action plans, 600 kilometres of major roads have been marked and delineated and traffic management plans implemented on four major and six smaller routes.”
