Police, LTA lead the charge on road safety this festive season

Past records have shown that many traffic accidents take place during the festive season.

But what is troubling is that these accidents could easily be avoided if drivers observe the traffic rules.

During the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Fiji Police Force’s road safety campaign launch at the LTA office in Valelevu, chief executive officer Samuel Simpson said: “We have to stop killing people on Fiji roads through careless driving, irresponsible behaviour, speeding and dangerous and reckless driving.” Road safety is everyone’s business, really!

If you are licensed to operate a vehicle it is your duty and responsibility to ensure you respect and follow the traffic rules.

They’re in place for a reason; not to spoil anyone’s fun on the roads, but to ensure that you, and other drivers on the road, make it from point A to point B safe and sound.

The fact that authorities such as police, the National Road Safety Council and LTA have over the years taken a particular interest in the festive period and staged full scale special operations to keep public roads safe, should be telling us something.

Driving under the influence of alcohol during the festive season has resulted in too many road accidents over the years.

It is a known fact that accidents happening around this time of year are caused by people trying to rush home at the last minute.

The heightened activity by the Police and road safety officials throughout the country is targeted at helping people to avoid such unfortunate events.

If you can help it, by all means stay off the road at Christmas and New Year and enjoy the celebrations with family and loved ones.

This is the time of the year to share and enjoy the strong family ties that Fijians are known for.

It is not a time to mourn the passing of a family member in a traffic accident caused by drunken driving.

The festive season is always full of functions. If you’re going by car to the function make sure to organise a responsible designated driver or book a taxi in advance.

Apply the rules of life to the road: remain focused, stay on track, don’t cut corners and when you need a break, take one. Don’t take any risks on the road this festive season, or at any time.

Stay safe this Christmas and New Year.

Here are some important road safety tips to follow:

• Don’t drink and drive

• Speed limits

• Always wear your seat belt

• Take extra precautions when driving during bad weather

• Practise defensive driving

• Keep your vehicle in top condition at all times • Avoid distractions

• Avoid driving when drowsy