Waikato crash victim named

Police have named a driver who died in a single vehicle accident near Whatawhata in the Waikato on Tuesday.

Waikato road policing manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said the driver had been identified as Donald Ross Edwards, 74, of Karamu.

Mr Tooman said the crash, which occurred on Te Pahu Rd about 4.55pm, was still under investigation by the Waikato serious Crash Unit.

"Initial indications on what has happened are that Mr Edwards' southbound Ford Falcon has failed to negotiate a right hand bend and crossed both lanes before colliding with a medium sized tree."

Mr Tooman said with 38 deaths on Waikato roads from 35 crashes, the Waikato district has had the highest road toll of all 12 police districts.

"And the busiest period on our roads, the summer holidays, are still to come with traffic in some of our more popular holiday spots often bought to a standstill," he said.

"For some reason at Christmas, Kiwis often get into a panic believing things have to get done now. What we need is for everyone to take a deep breath, have a bit of patience and show some consideration, that way all motorists will be able to share this and future summers with their families."

- nzherald.co.nz