Talking about road safety
Yesterday villagers of Viseisei, Vuda, sent out a strong message to motorists travelling through their community. They want all motorists to adhere to road rules and this was inspired by the tragic death of eight-year-old Mereoni Vuniyayawa last Saturday.
The Viseisei Primary School student was hit by a vehicle when the driver lost control of it.
After Mereoni was laid to rest, parents and traditional leaders joined their children to hold up road awareness signs pleading with drivers to take extra care while driving through the close-knit community.
Led by newly-installed Taukei Sawaieke Iliesa Cebaivalu Namuaira, we read that the placards were displayed metres away from Mereoni’s final resting place.
The Taukei Sawaieke said yesterday was a solemn day for the vanua o Vuda.
“It is very sad during this time that we are facing, that our drivers are not listening to messages from the Government and other stakeholders. So we want to show our disappointment to the entire world that we are against speeding and drunk drivers on our roads. We love our children and we want to ensure they are protected.
“I think so far we have already had three fatal accidents and I believe that is too much for the start of a year.”
Again, we call attention on road safety.
We keep raising the issue of road safety campaigns. We talk about this every year, yet every year accidents happen. They happen because we allow them to happen. Ultimately, we cause accidents and some of these accidents kill people.
Every year, the Fiji Police Force traffic department raises the issue of road safety. Yet every year, we turn the other cheek, and ignore good advice.
It is costly for many families in the end.
When accidents happen, they serve as a drain on society in many ways.
Aside from the trauma associated with the loss of lives, injuries stand as a telling reminder of how fragile the human life is.
In the end, we are made up of flesh and bones that can be broken and maimed for life.
It is clear that many accidents are caused by speeding which can be controlled by drivers to save lives.
A key element that is missing in the equation is voluntary compliance on the part of the drivers.
Most drivers, it seems, only learn their lessons after they are involved in an accident.
There are hundreds of drivers who have no respect for road rules. They will switch lanes without their indicator lights on, they are the ones tail-gating, stopping in the middle of the road suddenly, and will definitely be among drivers who choose to speak on their mobile phones while driving.
No one, it seems, notices and they continue to get away with this daily.
Yet, with the many inconsiderate drivers, there are hundreds more who will patiently follow the rules and hold their frustration and anger to reach their destinations safely.
Sceptics may even wonder about how we determine speed limits and whether they are actually suited to road conditions.
Everyday Fiji needs drivers who are considerate, proactive and show great defensive driving skills. We need drivers and road users who will be happy to be alive.
There are drivers who will stick to the speed limits, plan their journeys well and arrive at their destinations alive. Road safety matters.