Another crash fuels police predictions

A crash at Titikaveka earlier this week has added fuel to Police predictions that road incidents will continue to climb as traffic on Rarotonga builds due to the influx of visitors.

Wednesday night’s crash, which Police suspect is alcohol-related, was called in just before midnight when the driver of a car struck a power pole. Te Aponga Uira was notified as the damaged pole was obstructing traffic.

Last month, alcohol was involved in half the total number of motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). Fourteen people required hospital treatment with one person being admitted. Most of the vehicles involved in the incidents were cars.

Police expect the MVCs to trend upward in the coming months. Figures are up on the same period last year. But while the road environment gets busier, there's every indication that driver attitudes are not improving.

However, with a strengthening of traffic enforcement measures by Police, the growing number of penalties being dished out for infringements may provide some motivation.