There has been a sharp increase in the road toll in New Caledonia.
In the first three months of this year, 20 people have been killed in a string of accidents, doubling the figure of the same period last year.
The crashes are being attributed to a loss of control of the vehicles, often as a result of excessive alcohol consumption or speed.
The local newspaper notes that accidents are most frequent at the weekend and often along the main axis north of Noumea.