Horror day on roads prompts police warning

File photo / Martin Sykes

Police are warning motorists to drive to conditions after a nightmare day on the roads in Manawatu today, which claimed the life of one man and left others severely shaken.

Feilding Constable Kim Blanchard said a man was killed after losing control of the car he was driving about 6.30am on a corner of Halcombe Road, 9km from Feilding.

The driver's name would be released once family had been notified, he said.

A short time later another man lost control of his car, which rolled in wet conditions, and he was treated for minor injuries.

Around midday police returned to Halcombe Road, about 300m from the fatal crash, after a woman crashed.

Ambulance officers treated her at the scene, he said.

"Our message to everyone is to please slow down on our country roads. People must adjust their speed to weather and road conditions, especially when cornering on narrow roads," Mr Blanchard said.

The crashes were a "sad but necessary reminder" to people to concentrate and drive to conditions.

Meanwhile, police are using dental and forensic records to help identity a man killed when the car he was driving crashed into a culvert and caught fire at Tiakitahuna on State Highway 56 near Longburn, Palmerston North, early yesterday morning.

The man's name would be released as soon as he was formally identified, police said.

- NZPA