Drink and drive

He said two vehicles were racing to overtake each other at a bend and he could not avoid being hit when one vehicle drove into his lane.

Mr Taleo admits having consumed some alcohol and kava at a government function but he said he was driving the health minister to and from the function and knew his first duty was for the minister's safety.

He said the driver of the vehicle that hit his car drove away and he was hoping the police would find him.

Mr Taleo said he was expecting the prime minister to make a final decision on a recommendation to suspend him.

The Solomon Star newspaper reported 10 people had been arrested and charged by police after failing the country's first breathalyzer tests.

First time offenders can be imprisoned for up to a year and/or be fined more than $US1200 which is equivalent to about four months income for the average family in Solomon Islands.

Repeat offenders can be imprisoned for up to two years and/or be fined more than $US2400.

The tougher laws were introduced last June with the aim to to curb the high number of alcohol related crashes and fatalities.