Five people have been killed in crashes over the past two days as police plead with motorists to drive safely over Labour Weekend.
It comes after one person was killed following a single-vehicle crash in Waikato this evening.
The crash occurred on State Highway 26 between Te Aroha and Paeroa shortly before 5.30pm.
Earlier this morning, police confirmed that a motorcyclist critically injured in a crash yesterday afternoon near Taihape had since died in hospital.
The accident, involving a car, happened at around 3.40pm about five kilometres south of the town on State Highway 1.
It came shortly after police said a person was fatally struck and killed by a vehicle overnight in Northland, near Waipapa.
The incident on Onekura Rd was reported to police around 3.35am.
It comes after two people were killed and four others were injured yesterday following two separate crashes on State Highway 1 in Northland, near Waipu, and on State Highway 3 in Whanganui.
Road safety 'everyone’s responsibility' - police
On Thursday, authorities warned long weekend travellers to make sure they made "safe choices" as they made their way around the country.
Police national road policing director Steve Greally reminded road users there will be a "firm focus on four main causes" of deaths and serious injuries: people not wearing their seatbelt, impairment, distractions and speed.
"Road safety is everyone’s responsibility – we can all play a part by ensuring everyone wears a seatbelt, doesn’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, remove distractions and slow down, to ensure that no one is harmed on our roads," he said.
"Our dedicated staff will be patrolling our roads anywhere, anytime to deter these unsafe driving behaviours. Don’t risk the chance of receiving an infringement notice or being charged for an offence this weekend or any other day.”
Waka Kotahi NZTA senior road safety manager Fabian Marsh said motorists should remember the basics.
"When you’re out on the roads this Labour Weekend, make safe choices to protect yourself and others. Be patient, drive at a safe speed, wear your seatbelt, don’t drink and drive, make sure you’re well rested and plan ahead."
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