A senior police officer is calling for people to look after whanau and friends after two deaths on Far North roads put the road toll at 26 - only one less than last year's total.
A 67-year-old woman died after a hit and run near Ohaeawai on Friday night, while a 10-year-old boy died after being hit by a car while riding a bike in Houhora on Saturday.
The deaths brought Northland's road toll for 2017 to 26. Last year's road toll for Northland was 27, which was up on the 22 people who died in Northland road crashes in 2015.
Inspector Chris McLellan, acting Northland road policing manager, said the number of crashes and fatalities on Northland roads was "unacceptable" and encouraged motorists to take care on the roads, monitor their speeds, wear their seatbelts and ensure they don't drink and drive.
"The way that we can help each other is to make sure we're looking after our family and our friends. We need to work together so that we keep an eye on our friends. If they're drinking, we make sure they get home safely, and if we see opportunities to prevent crashes then we do something about it," he said.