Northland police are urging motorists to wear seatbelts and take regular breaks after two people died in separate crashes within hours of each other.
The fatal crashes happened near Oakleigh, Whangarei at around 1.30am Monday, and in Turiwuri, southeast of Dargaville at 7.50pm Sunday.
The Serious Crash Unit was investigating both incidents.
Inspector John Fagan said investigations into both crashes remained ongoing, but early indications suggested the occupants were not wearing seatbelts.
"That’s two more families whose lives have been completely changed by the loss of a loved one," Fagan said.
"These tragedies ripple through our communities, and we know many people are feeling that loss right now."
Police were now using the crashes to reinforce what Fagan described as a critical road safety message.
"Wearing a seatbelt is one of the most important things you can do every time you get into a vehicle," Fagan said.
"It takes just two seconds to buckle up, and that simple action can make the difference between life and death."
Fagan said wearing a seatbelt reduced the risk of death by 60% for front-seat occupants and 44% for back-seat passengers.
"If you know someone who regularly doesn’t wear a seatbelt, have that conversation with them," he said.
"Tell them how much they mean to you and how much they would be missed — because if the worst happens, you don’t get the chance to say it later."
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