Young adults and older motorists made the majority of road fatalities in Fiji over the past five years, according to recent demographic data on road accidents.

The Western Division recorded the highest number of road fatalities over the past five years, accounting for 47 percent of the 296 deaths nationwide.

The people of Tarukua Village in Lau now have safer access to the local school and main walkways following the completion of a new concrete bridge and footpath.

A total of 296 lives have been lost on Fiji’s roads over the past five years, culminating in a record high of 83 fatalities last year.

The Land Transport Authority has raised an alarm over drink driving and road accidents as Fiji enters the New Year.

Growing vehicle numbers and limited road space are prompting authorities to fast-track reassessing of vehicle importation policies and road safety measures, as concerns mount over congestion and fatalities.

The Land Transport Authority is warning motorists that driver fatigue remains a silent but deadly risk on Fiji’s roads, especially during long-distance travel over the festive season.

The Ministry of Transport says the idea of conducting drug tests for drivers has been under consideration for some time, as the majority of accidents are caused by drunk driving.

A surprise Random Breath Test operation conducted by the Police Force’s Traffic Enforcement Unit along the Namaka–Nadi corridor last night resulted in the arrest of eight drivers for alleged drunk driving including a police officer based in Lautoka.

The Minister for Transport and Public Works, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, has reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to improving infrastructure in Kadavu, with plans to connect Drue village, currently only accessible by boat via a new road from Namara Road.

The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management has completed 119 rural road crossings from January 2023 to June this year.

The Fiji Police Force has stepped up operations early in preparation for the upcoming festive season.