In urging motorists to do all they can to keep themselves and other road users safe, Waikato Police say complying with basic road rules keeps us alive while not adhering to them can be deadly.
Speaking from the scene of a fatal collision between a car and a truck and trailer unit, Incident Controller, Inspector Jeff Penno, said all too often, poor decision making can be tragic.
"Emergency services are currently at the intersection of Peake and Hautapu Roads in Tamahere following a crash at the intersection of Peake and Hautapu Roads about 12.40pm.
"The crash is currently under investigation by the Waikato Serious Crash Unit so it is too early to determine which party may have been at fault but what we can say is that one of the vehicles has failed to give way resulting in the loss of one man's life."
Mr Penno said the sole male occupant of the car died in the crash while the truck left the road and its trailer rolled.
"All too often it's our compliance with the simplest of road rules that can mean the difference between life and death.
"While expressing our condolences to the deceased's family, Police would like to highlight this incident as a timely reminder of why we have road rules and the important part they play in keeping all road users safe."
Today's tragedy takes the Waikato's road toll to 13, more than three times the total of four for the same period last year.
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