Police name another Waikato crash victim

Waikato police have released the name of a man killed near Morrinsville on Monday, saying local people are still not taking care on local roads.

Lodewyk Gerardus Johannes Janssen, 65, of Mangateparu, lost control of his car on a signposted 85km/h corner, crashed through a farm fence and into a tree.

His death brought the Waikato road toll to 25 for the year so far, compared to 24 for the same period last year and contrasting with the national road toll, which is now at 116 compared to 180.

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.

The majority of the crashes resulted in minor or no injury but they indicated a lack of concentration, which could mean the difference between life and death, Mr Tooman said.

"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."

- NZPA