Road toll rises after Waikato crash

The holiday road toll rose to three late on Christmas Day.

Two people were killed when their cars drove into ditches in separate incidents near Pukekohe and Morrinsville yesterday.

The third death resulted from a three car crash on State Highway 1B at the intersection of Gordonton and Taylor Roads, north east of Hamilton, just after 5.30pm.

The driver of one of the vehicles was taken to Waikato Hospital where they later died.

The serious crash unit was investigating the accident.

Senior Sergeant Kent Holdsworth of Hamilton police said it was an unfortunate reminder that when travelling over the Christmas and New Year period that people should take extreme care.

Land Transport Agency figures show Boxing Day is the start of the most dangerous part of the holiday period. Boxing Day deaths in the past have reached as high as 12, up from an average of seven.

The official Christmas-New Year holiday road toll period runs for 4pm on Christmas Eve until 6am on January 5.

Last year's toll was 18 dead and 65 seriously injured from 16 crashes.

- NZPA