THE Land Transport Authority has praised the efforts of law enforcers and members of the public for their teamwork in helping decrease road fatality rate for the year 2012.
As of the end of December 2012, LTA has recorded a historic figure of 41 fatalities.
"This is the lowest data in Fiji's history compared to the previous lowest statistics of 47 recorded in 2009. 2011 however had recorded 54 fatalities," LTA chief executive officer Naisa Tuinaceva said yesterday.
"Previous years had ratings as high as 80 to 100 which was quite significant for a small country like Fiji," he added.
He also voiced his appreciation to all stakeholders and relevant authorities for the efforts in their road safety enforcement programs.
"I am quite elated with the achievement," he said.
"The decrease in the number of fatalities last year is an achievement in Fiji's history," he said.
"We have been doing a lot of advocating on road safety through various means such as our education programs and our enforcement activities," he added.
He said for the last two years LTA had recorded an increase in vehicle population by 10 per cent and also an increase in issuing of drivers licence by 20 per cent for the same period. He said with so many vehicles and drivers, the authority saw more emphasis had to be placed on effectual awareness and enforcement.
Mr Tuinaceva urged all members of the public to work together with LTA this year so that the importance of road safety continues to stay alive in Fiji.