A 49-year-old man tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident in Aitutaki on Saturday, marking the second road fatality in the Cook Islands this year, as the country enters the festive season.

The deceased sustained fatal injuries when he was involved in a crash with a pickup truck on his motorbike on Saturday night, police said in a statement.

Police confirmed to Cook Islands News that the fatality was speed and alcohol-related and the deceased suffered serious chest and ribs injuries.

A year ago on Christmas Eve, a visiting Cook Islander who was holidaying with his family in Aitutaki died in a motorcycle crash. Police confirmed that alcohol and speed were factors in the fatal accident.

Yesterday, Aitutaki mayor Nick Henry urged island residents and returning families to exercise extra caution on the roads.

“This tragedy makes all of us hold our loved ones a little closer and longer. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time,” Henry said.

“As Mayor of Aitutaki, I ask our families returning home this festive season to enjoy this time together and please take extra care on the roads. When we care for and respect each other we will all have a Merry Christmas.”

Police said the road fatality, which brought tragedy to the festive season, highlighted the need for significantly increased awareness of road safety.

“Carelessness, alcohol, and speed continue to be lethal factors on our roads,” police said.

In Rarotonga, there were five reported vehicle incidents since Friday afternoon. Among them, another power pole was felled by a car, this time in Tepuka, police said.

The crash occurred sometime in the early morning on Sunday but was not reported at the time. Police spoke to the driver later in the morning on Sunday.

In Muri, a motorcyclist drove through a hedge near TEM Store and was found unconscious on the ground, early Saturday morning.  Also on Saturday, a collision between a motorcyclist and a van was called in to the Police, and a few hours later, another collision at the Avatiu backroad intersection was reported.

One person was arrested for drunk driving during the weekend, as a result of blood results from a crash in Vaimaanga, 11 days ago.

“The weekend complaints kept Police teams busy with a reported dog attack, excessive noise, and assistance with domestic disturbances.”

• RK/Police Media