A 20-year-old man has appeared in court charged with careless driving following a crash opposite Tamarind House early on Thursday.

Teaukura Vakapora appeared to have visible injuries, cuts and bruises, when he stood in the dock at the Criminal Court in Avarua on Thursday.

Police said they wanted the matter adjourned as there was reparation to be considered.

In a media release yesterday, Police said motor vehicle crashes are up 35 per cent on last year and that number would likely climb over at least the coming two months.

For the first five months of 2023, there were 89 reported crashes to Police, compared with 66 for the same period last year.

Last year’s trend followed an increase from May, through June and July.

For 2023, the year began with a higher monthly figure than the previous five years.

The incidents are projected to increase through the year as traffic volume increases, along with higher visitor numbers, Police said.

The latest statistic was added to the record early yesterday morning at Pue after Police were called to the scene about 12.45am.

Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro adjourned the matter to August 17 and told Vakapora to surrender his passport.