Fatal crash victim named by police

File photo / NZ Herald

A man who was killed in a crash in Waikato late on Tuesday night has been named by police.

He was Daniel Robert Colvin, 37, of Hamilton.

Police said Mr Colvin died after his Mitsubishi Triton ute crossed the centre line into the path of a southbound truck and trailer unit on State Highway 1 near Cambridge.

Waikato district road policing manager Inspector Leo Tooman said Mr Colvin's death was the 27th in the Waikato this year, compared to 25 at the same period last year.

"That's 27 families who won't be celebrating Christmas with loved ones this year or have the opportunity to enjoy the hosting of a Rugby World Cup," he said.

"We're asking drivers to think of the consequences before they drive tired or allow themselves to become distracted. A moment's inattention can mean a lifetime of pain for those left behind."

Clothing and materials found in the ute indicated Mr Colvin may have finished a long working day and fatigue could have played a major factor as it was a perfectly straight piece of road, Mr Tooman said.

It was the first fatal road accident since before the Queen's Birthday weekend when a zero road toll was recorded for the first time since records were started being kept more than 50 years ago.

- NZPA