Land Transport Authority road safety education manager Watilala Fonu with the leader of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fiji, Epeli Saukuru. (Credit: LTA website).
Adventists partner with Fiji government to promote road safety
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Fiji is partnering with the Seventh-day Adventist Church to take road safety messages directly to communities in the lead up to the festive season.
LTA chief executive officer Irimaia Rokosawa said road safety is not only about enforcing the law but also changing behaviours and encouraging every road user to understand that their decisions can save lives.
He said speeding, careless and dangerous driving, driver fatigue and pedestrian negligence remained serious concerns, particularly during night-time and early-morning travel along Fiji’s highways.
“A tired driver needs more than a reminder to be careful,” Mr Rokosawa said. “They need a safe place where they can stop, rest and recover before continuing their journey. Under this initiative with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, four highway rest stops will be set up along major road corridors, including Queens Road, Kings Road and the Labasa-Savusavu highway.
“The rest stops will provide tired drivers and travellers with an opportunity to pull over safely, take a short rest and access drinking water and hot, non-alcoholic refreshments.”
Mr Rokosawa said the Church’s road safety youth ambassadors and volunteers will support awareness activities at designated locations, engaging directly with motorists, passengers and communities to promote safer road behaviour.
“Stopping when you are tired is not a sign of weakness, it is a responsible decision that can prevent a serious crash. Our road safety ambassadors will help reinforce this message directly within communities,” he said.
Leader of the the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fiji, Epeli Saukuru, said the partnership would help strengthen road safety awareness and encourage communities to make safer choices on the road.
“We are committed to supporting initiatives that protect lives and promote responsible behaviour. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and through this partnership we can reach more families and communities,” he said.
