The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is renewing its call for greater road safety awareness following a fatal accident near Vatukoula that claimed four lives on Wednesday.

Preliminary information from the Fiji Police Force indicates that a vehicle carrying passengers home from a family gathering in Ba lost control, left the roadway and plunged into a river. Four occupants died, while one person survived with injuries.

LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa extended condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, as well as those mourning the recent boating incident in Beqa waters that resulted in three fatalities after a vessel capsized.

Mr Rokosawa emphasised that both motorists and vessel operators must place safety above all else and take responsibility for their actions while travelling.

He encouraged drivers to adapt their driving to road and weather conditions and urged the public to carefully consider weather forecasts and official advisories before embarking on trips.

Mr Rokosawa said adverse weather demands extra vigilance and good judgement, noting that travel should be delayed when conditions are unsafe.

He highlighted speeding, driver fatigue, careless behaviour and poor decision-making as major contributors to serious and fatal crashes. He also reminded motorists not to attempt crossing flooded roads and to seek safer alternatives whenever possible.

The LTA CEO further stressed the importance of vehicle maintenance, urging drivers to regularly inspect tyres, brakes, lights and windscreen wipers to ensure vehicles remain roadworthy.

He said every driver has a responsibility to protect passengers, pedestrians and fellow road users through safe and responsible driving practices.