road accidents

In 2016, there were 18 deaths on Tongan roads but in the year ending November there have only been five deaths.

Acting Chief Superintendent Tevita Vailea said while it was encouraging that 13 less people died than last year, it was of little comfort to the families and friends of victims, and to the people who were injured or traumatised by crashes.

Police were called to 262 crashes around the country during the January to November period.

25,189 accidents were recorded between 1992 and 2002 in Papua New Guinea.

The National Road Safety Authority CEO, Nelson Terema, revealed this today during the launching of Puma Energy’s one week road safety campaign, held a few kilometres away from Port Moresby.

Terema said the 10-year statistics was for year ending 2002, and expects an increase in the last four years.

He added that motor vehicle injuries total 2,189, from 25,189 accidents recorded.

Radio Tonga reports Tonga Police Commissioner, Stephen Caldwell is urging the government and stakeholders to address the issue of alcohol harm in Tonga. 

This follows the dramatic spike over the months of June and July with 13 deaths related to alcohol consumption.

He says the problem is accessibility and over consumption of alcohol. 

A workshop is currently underway in Nuku'alofa to increase the understanding of the problems and to work out achievable solutions together.