A sudden surge in serious car crashes, resulting in several deaths, has alarmed Tongan Police.
In a six-day period recently a series of crashes led to the deaths of four people.
Tonga Police Deputy Commissioner, Tevita Vailea, noted that young people were behind the wheel in all of those incidents. A 30-year police veteran, Vailea believes that all of these deaths were avoidable.
Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koro Vaka'uta
"Because we identify all these fatal accidents, the contributing factors was speeding, reckless driving under the influence and also the vehicles not being roadworthy. Tonga police believe these incidents are preventable."
The first incident in the spate of crashes occurred on Friday, August 26, at around 7pm. A driver in the eastern village of Tongatapu did not see a two-year-old boy, who was on the road, until it was too late. The toddler later died in hospital.
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The second incident occurred early on Sunday, August 28, in Vava'u. A car carrying a 16-year-old and a 20-year-old crashed, with the driver dying at the scene and the passenger later passing away in hospital. Vailea said that "the speed and inexperience of the driver was a contributing factor."
Most recently, on September 1, a 20-year-old woman driving in Nuku'alofa lost control and hit a block fence before smashing into a power pole. She suffered fatal head injuries.
The 2022 Tongan road toll currently stands at eight deaths, with four months left in the year. In comparison the 2021 road toll was six.
Vailea shared his alarm and concern regarding these crashes.
"We only have one life! We advise the public, especially the parents, especially when they are under age to not drive a vehicle without a licence and also consider that alcohol has always been the main driver of not only crime but fatal accidents, this is an alarm call for us."