Don't drink and drive, watch your speed, keep to the left and make your seat-belt click, basic safety measures we've all heard countless times but Waikato Police believe if we stick to them they may just save lives.
So far 25 people have died on Waikato roads compared to 24 for the same period last year and in contrast to a national trend that has seen road death trend downwards.
Reflecting on the latest death yesterday on Kereone Rd outside Morrinsville, District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said if everyone did their part and stuck to the basics the Waikato's road toll would slow.
"Yesterday we had a man aged in his forties driving a 4x4 fail to negotiate a gentle right-hand, signposted to 85km/h, bend and leave the road. Over correcting he's gone into a yaw and crashed through a fence and into a tree.
"It doesn't appear to be a significantly large tree but the reality is that given the laws of physics objects such as trees, banks, ditches and buildings can be very unforgiving when vehicles collide into them and over the past few days we have had several incidents of this."
Mr Tooman said given there's only a thin lick of paint separating cars from the roadside and solid objects drivers needed to be at there best particularly on winter roads.
"To avoid colliding with objects such as trees, bridges or oncoming vehicles drivers need to be concentrating, avoid fatigue and drive to the conditions, we've heard it a thousand times but we need to be listening as well."
Meanwhile the name of a woman killed in a two car collision on SH39 between Huntly and Ngaruawahia on Sunday night has been released.
She was Amanda Sharon BRUNT, 32, of Hamilton.
Mr Tooman said with the upcoming holiday weekend approaching he urged motorists to ensure the serviceability of their vehicles and to expect a highly visible Police presence on Waikato roads.
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