Waikato Police say there are too many similarities in today's crashes compared to Monday's fatality

As they release the name of a man killed on Monday in the latest Waikato fatal road crash Police say local people are still not taking care on local roads. District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said over the past 24 hours Police had attended 16 vehicle crashes across the Waikato in areas including Hamilton, Ohaupo, Taupiri, Whitianga, Tihiroa and Puketaha. "Though each crash is different there are disturbing echoes of other recent crashes from a 70-year-old pedestrian being struck down by a car in Deanwell yesterday morning through to a car in a ditch in Otorohanga, a car going through a fence in Taupiri and Puketaha and a car vs a power-pole at Te Rahu. "Though in the majority of cases these crashes only result in minor or no injury they indicate a lack of concentration that with minor changes could mean the difference between life and death and it suggests to us despite the highlight of the issue drivers are still not paying attention." Mr Tooman said in Monday's crash the driver of a 4x4, 65-year-old Lodewyk Gerardus Johannes JANSSEN of Mangateparu, failed to negotiate a signposted 85km/h corner, went off the road and overcorrected resulting in his vehicle crashing through a farm fence. "Unfortunately in this case where Mr JANSSEN'S vehicle crashed through the fence a tree was on the other side and he suffered fatal injuries. "In seven of yesterday's crashes drivers lost control and crashed into poles, ditches or fences, given Monday's tragedy there was the potential for several more fatalities." Mr Tooman urged motorists to ensure that not only were their cars in tip top condition this winter but the people behind the wheel were too. "Waikato Police will be maintaining a highly visible presence on the roading network this holiday weekend but we urge drivers to do their part, don't drive tired, adhere to the conditions of your licence and stay on your side of the road." End