Police investigating the third fatal road crash in the Waikato in 48 hours say an act as simple as making it click could have saved two lives
In the latest incident emergency services were called to the scene of a single vehicle crash on SH26 near Paeroa about 2.15am.
The car with four men aboard had been returning to Paeroa after the occupants had finished work at a meatworks when it crossed the centreline on a straight piece of road, spun out and hit a power pole before impacting with bushes, ending up on it's roof.
Police have received reports of the car being driven at high speed shortly before the crash.
Waikato Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said a man travelling as a passenger in the car was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene.
He was Kipa RUSSELL, 22, of Paeroa, formerly of Hastings.
"The four other occupants of the car, including the driver, were trapped in the car and seriously injured but survived the crash as could have this man if he'd taken two seconds to clicked in his seat belt."
"They are all reported as being in a serious but stable condition in Waikato Hospital."
Earlier reports of the crash being a two car collision are incorrect.
Five hours earlier emergency services attended the scene of another crash in which a 47-year-old Huntly man lost his life in a crash near Te Kauwhata.
"In this crash the driver of a Mitsubishi Diamante has lost control in an area of road works subject to a temporary 30km/h speed restriction on Cozen Rd, Waerenga.
"Initial indications on the cause of the crash are that the car has failed to negotiate a bend, crossed the centreline, crashed through a fence and rolled several times before landing in a ditch," said Mr Tooman.
Not wearing a seatbelt the driver was ejected from the car and died at the scene from his injuries. A 14-year-old girl travelling as a passenger in the car was flown by helicopter with serious injuries to Waikato Hospital.
"Here we have another case where a death may have been avoidable had the driver taken the simple option of making his seat belt click," said Mr Tooman.
"At the end of the day if drivers drive to the conditions and observe the five basic principals of the road; keep left, speed, alcohol, belts, reckless/dangerous and careless driving then we could avoid tragedy effecting so many Kiwi families."
Meanwhile the name of the driver killed in Monday's single vehicle crash on SH3 at Rukuhia has been released.
She was Karen Dorothy Downes, 30, of Masterton.
The Waikato Police District Road road toll now stands at 14 compared to 17 for the same period last year.
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