Alcohol, failure to wear a seatbelt and not driving to the conditions all appear to be contributing factors in a crash near Morrinsville early this morning that has left a young woman on life support with critical head injuries.
Waikato Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said emergency services were called to the scene of the crash, on the Morrinsville-Walton Rd about 2.30am.
"A motorist had come across the damaged Honda Integra and raised the alarm.
"The female driver, who we believe is aged in her 20s, suffered critical head injuries and was taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance where she is currently on life support."
Mr Tooman said Serious Crash Unit investigators had established there was only one vehicle involved in the incident.
"It appears the driver failed to negotiate a bend and her car left the road, went into a ditch, rolled and ended up back on the road.
"Unrestrained, the woman has been partially flung from the car. We're awaiting results of a blood test but initial indications are alcohol was a factor in the crash which happened in an area of thick fog."
Mr Tooman said with 11 deaths in the Waikato last year of people not wearing seatbelts it was concerning for Police the message about not drinking and driving and the importance of making it click was not sinking in.
"Situations like this become a double tragedy when Police have to inform families their loved one has died in avoidable circumstances.
"With the transition from fine weather to winter driving conditions now upon us we're asking people to stick to the basics, wear your seatbelt, don't drink and drive, drive to the conditions and watch your speed, it's a simple philosophy and one that saves lives."
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