Police are concerned that the driving behaviour on Rarotonga is presenting unnecessary stress on frontline medical efforts, especially as Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health deals with the ongoing pressures of Covid-19 infections and testing.

This after another car had to be cleared from the main road on Wednesday, this time at Arorangi where it had struck a power pole. 

Police spokesperson Trevor Pitt in a statement said only minor injuries were reported.

“However, the crash demonstrates the type of incident that has the potential to put pressure on those already working under critical conditions.”

A blood specimen was sought from the driver of this vehicle.

Wednesday’s accident follows early Sunday morning crash in Panama. A 43-year-old man was facing charges as a result of the crash.

Cook Islands Police earlier said the male driver in a pickup collided with a parked car outside The Islander Hotel in the early hours of Sunday. Police were called just after midnight.

“A 43-year-old man is now facing charges as a result of the crash.  He was arrested and remanded into prison by the Police,” Pitt said in a statement on Sunday.

The mangled wreckage of two vehicles was cleared from the main road after midday Sunday.