Waikato crash investigators have been able to build a better picture of what caused Tuesday's double fatality crash that claimed the lives of two elderly women north of Huntly.
District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said witnesses had described the Mazda Demio car the two women were travelling in joining SH1 from the Ohinewai Interchange on-ramp and continuing south before carrying out a U-turn about 2km south of the crash site.
"The Mazda has then travelled north, on the wrong side of the median barrier and collided with a southbound Honda Civic sedan."
The driver of the Mazda, 82-year-old Eunice GRIFFITHS and her 81-year-old front seat passenger, Vina WILLS, died in the crash while the 32-year-old male driver of the Honda suffered serious injuries and is recovering in Waikato Hospital.
Both women were from Huntly.
Mr Tooman said Tuesday's crash took the Waikato road toll to 37 compared to 34 for the same period last year and of particular concern was the fact the crash happened in perfect driving conditions.
With the influx of visitors transiting the Waikato, not only during the Rugby World Cup but also over the following summer Mr Tooman said drivers should plan the route they're going to take.
"Accept there may be greater traffic volumes with corresponding longer travelling times, ensure plenty of time to get where you're going and plenty of rest stops."
Mr Tooman said there has been much commentary about the need to ensure overseas visitors keep to the left when driving however in this case the drivers concerned were local.
"The key thing to concentrate on is driver alertness, mitigating the risks posed by fatigue and inattention and ensuring safer journeys for all road users regardless of nationality."
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