Schools reopen, LTA calls for patience on roads

As thousands of students return to school today, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is urging motorists to slow down and stay alert, warning that the start of the school term is one of the most dangerous periods on Fiji’s roads.

With traffic volumes increasing during peak hours, the risk of accidents involving schoolchildren is rising, particularly around school zones and bus routes.

LTA chief executive officer Irimaia Rokosawa said drivers must take extra care and treat areas around schools as high-risk zones.

“This is the most dangerous period on our roads,” Mr Rokosawa said.

“Children are back on buses, crossing roads and walking to school. Drivers must slow down, stay alert and drive responsibly.”

He said speeding, distracted driving and failure to obey road signs were placing young lives at risk.

“Ensuring the safety of our children is not optional — it is a duty. One mistake, one moment of carelessness, can change a family’s life forever,” he said.

Mr Rokosawa also reminded parents and guardians of their role in ensuring children travel safely each day.

“To avoid children being denied travel, parents must ensure eTransport cards have sufficient funds before their children board buses,” he said.

He said simple preparation at home could prevent distress and disruption for students during busy school travel times.

The LTA has increased enforcement and road safety operations nationwide as schools reopen.

Enforcement and road safety education teams are conducting community outreach, school awareness programmes and public safety campaigns in both urban and rural areas.

These include house-to-house visits, the distribution of road safety materials and direct engagement with communities to promote responsible behaviour among drivers, pedestrians and passengers.

Mr Rokosawa said the focus of the operations was prevention, not punishment.

“Our focus is saving lives. Road safety starts with the choices drivers make every day,” he said.

He urged all road users to see the start of the school term as a reminder that roads are shared spaces.

“Slow down. Be patient. Protect our children. Their lives depend on it,” Mr Rokosawa said.