The Fijian Government is concerned with the high number of fatalities on the country’s roads.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Siddiq Koya in Lautoka while launching the Bike Safety Awareness for the Western Division yesterday.

“I say this with conviction because of the ever increasing road fatalities in Fiji today, the current death toll stands at 60 as compared to 45 for the same period in 2014, this is an alarming number. There is this epidemic of gross disregard of road rules by drivers and pedestrians alike. Lives are being lost. Families suffer. This needs to be stopped. We need to do something about this epidemic,” Minister Koya said.

“As a driver you are responsible for the vehicle you drive, the passengers in the vehicle and the drivers and pedestrians around you.  The blatant disregard for basic road rules has led to the loss of lives or at a lesser extent hefty fines and penalties.”

Minister Koya added that this state of affairs on the country’s roads was unacceptable and must be confronted with the seriousness it deserves.

“We need to change our attitudes on our roads and be alive to the fact that our roads are a national asset, which is regulated by the laws and must be respected and observed by all and I call upon all Fijians, both motorists and pedestrians, to ensure that they respect the rules of our roads,” Minister  Koya said.

Source: DEPTFO News

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