Vaitele fou residents have called for flower hedges next to cross-intersection roads to be trimmed to give the drivers of oncoming vehicles more visibility to avoid collisions.

The appeal comes on the back of more vehicle collisions at such an intersection in recent weeks.

Ana Leota and Filipo Leota run the Ana Variety Shop in Vaitele fou and have seen firsthand the impact that overgrown flower hedges next to a nearby cross-intersection road has on motorists.

Mr. Leota told the Samoa Observer in an interview on Saturday that the Government needs to act and address the issue for the travelling public’s safety.

He said the close proximity of flower garden hedges to cross-intersection roads is a major factor behind collisions, as drivers have poor visibility of oncoming vehicles.

Driver licensing regulations also need to be strengthened as Mr Leota says a lot of drivers don’t have licenses.

The couple, who previously lived overseas over a year ago before moving back to Samoa, said they have driven around the area and find that it is not safe especially at the four corners.

Buses are also common vehicles on Vaitele fou roads with Mrs. Leota explained that due to the size of the bus and the narrow road, she has to leave space for the bus to turn to avoid any accidents.

She added that ever since they moved into the area there has already been four or five traffic accidents.

Reckless driving is also another factor behind the accidents at the Vaitele fou cross-intersection road according to Mr. Leota, who says there are a lot of people who drive carelessly.

He added that there have been a lot of times when they nearly get into accidents themselves while on the road, and when approaching a cross-intersection road they stop just to be safe.

Another Vaitele fou resident Atonio Faasavalu expressed similar sentiments and added that the reason for the accidents is reckless driving.

He said that there are vehicles that are supposed to stop at the four corners but they do not stop.

Road signs should also be put up by the Government through the relevant Ministry, added Mr Faasavalu, though the closeness of the flower garden hedges to a road is also an issue for him.

He said that even if you are on the main road, you should still slow down when approaching a cross-intersection road in order to minimise the risk.

And the Police should also increase their patrols of the intersection to catch drivers who could be driving under the influence of alcohol, emphasised Mr Faasavalu. 

Last Wednesday a Nissan Serena crashed into a Samoa Observer vehicle at the Vaitele fou cross-intersection road, close to Mr Leota’s shop. 

He said the crash shocked him due to the sound of the impact and repeated his fears for his wife’s safety.

“A lot of people who don’t have a license don’t understand the laws of the road,” he said.

The couple also said they are worried about the safety of the children who often walk next to the road.