Second crash in months kills driver

A Northland man killed after his vehicle hit a bank had survived a drunken car crash three months ago.

Ben Trubshoe, 27, died after his vehicle hit a bank on Maungakaramea Rd, about 16km southwest of Whangarei, on Sunday. He was not wearing a seatbelt, police believe. Sunday's fatal crash had similarities to an April 3 accident in which Mr Trubshoe had also hit a bank.

He later admitted drink-driving and told police he had not been wearing a seatbelt. It is not known if alcohol was involved in Sunday's accident. Mr Trubshoe had been awaiting sentencing for drink-driving with a breath alcohol level of 850 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath on April 3. The limit is 400mcg for drivers 20 and over.

He died just over 48 hours after police issued a warning to drivers about the blackest months on Northland roads.

Whangarei police Sergeant John Fagan said Mr Trubshoe's vehicle was travelling towards Maungakaramea about 9.30pm and hit a bank after leaving the road.

Mr Trubshoe was thrown from the vehicle on to the road.

Members of the public stopped and were helping before St John arrived. But there was nothing they could do and Mr Trubshoe died at the scene.

Blood samples had been taken and would be referred to the coroner.

In the April crash, Mr Trubshoe was heading towards Maungakaramea about 8.40pm when he hit a bank, road signs and two parked cars. He told police he had not been wearing a seatbelt.

On Friday, police had issued a warning for motorists to take care on wet slippery roads during the traditional "black months" for car crashes.

For the past five years, an average of seven people have died on Northland roads during July, August and September.

Whangarei road policing Senior Sergeant Steve Dickson said driving in winter meant slowing down in the wet, increasing following distances, being well rested and increased concentration.

He was concerned many of the fatal crashes in Northland involved alcohol, speed and people not wearing seatbelts.

"Alcohol makes people make stupid decisions. Sometimes it's up to those around to take the keys off someone trying to drive or make them stay the night," Mr Dickson said.

- APN