Police in the Cook Islands are warning the country is heading for its worst year for road crashes and they have put out a call for people to take more care.
Photo: Supplied: Cook Islands Police Service
The number of motor vehicle crashes is nearing 2014's record high of 267 reported incidents.
The police describe an alarming set of data including a rising number of prosecutions, a record high number of 148 disqualified drivers and fatalities which have exceeded last year's figures.
The police said speeding, drink-driving and careless behaviour are the leading causes of the crashes.
They've urged people to take care coming into the festive season and say their safety campaign will continue over the period.
Meanwhile, Cook Islands Police have confirmed Auckland man, Michael Kemp, died in a scooter crash in Rarotonga over the weekend.
He was believed to be holidaying on the island as part of a promotional event for a New Zealand radio station.
