Motorists in the Western were urged to take part in a defensive driving course in Lautoka as part of National Road Safety month in 1988.

According to an article published by the The Fiji Times on July 5 that year, the course was among a variety of activities organised by the Western Division Road Safety Council, the Road Transport Department and the police.

A department spokesman, Sheik Mustaq, said there were two courses, one for male drivers and the second for female drivers.

He said people would be accepted for the course on a first-come-first-served basis and he asked interested motorists to fill the necessary forms at the department’s Lautoka office before the deadline.

The article said police instructors would provide lectures and show films on safe driving techniques, with all those taking part receiving a certificate of participation at the completion of the course.

The road safety campaign in Lautoka was going to open after a procession through the city with accident vehicles being items on show.

Western Division Safety Council chairman Deo Lingam Reddy said during the month, students would be given advice on road safety. He said teams consisting of officials from the department, the police and the Education department would visit schools in their areas to give lectures and demonstrations.

Between July 25 and July 29 there were free inspections of vehicles and settling of headlight beams at the department’s offices in each district.

As part of the road safety campaign, officers from the department and policemen conducted spot checking of vehicles in Lautoka.