A 24 year old driver from Havelu was charged with reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol causing injuries, in a head-on collision with another vehicle at Tofoa last night, 14 March.

Police said they received a report of a road accident involving a head-on collision of two vehicles at Tofoa, at around 9:00 pm.

The suspect was heading in a northerly direction on Taufa’ahau Road and tried to overtake a vehicle in front of him when the collision occured with an oncoming vehicle.

The driver and two passengers in the oncoming vehicle, who sustained injuries and were rushed to Vaiola Hospital, included two females aged 23 years and a male driver (22) from Ha’ateiho.

The suspect was not injured.

Tonga Police stated the suspect was taken to the Police station for a breathalyzer test and found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol.

“This road accident concerns Tonga Police as we are amidst the rainy weather season, which increases risk factors on our roads.  While we cannot control the weather, we expect our people to make wise decisions and not to drink and drive. Not only it is against the law, but you are placing lives at risk when you do,” stated Road Safety Manager, Chief Inspector Sailusi Taukei’aho.

Tonga Police urged drivers to be considerate of their lives and the lives of others when on the road.

"Do not drink and drive. Always think about the consequences of your actions and how they may affect others. If out drinking, make sure you call for pick up, take a taxi, or arrange for a sober driver to minimize any potential complications on the road.”