Drive to survive message from Police following Ngaruawahia fatal

While a fatal crash that claimed the life of a driver on SH39 overnight is still being investigated Ngaruawahia police are urging drivers to stick to the basics and drive to survive.

Sergeant Mark Toomey of the Ngaruawahia Police said SH39 was closed overnight to allow heavy salvage vehicles to clear the road and allow Waikato Serious Crash Unit and Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit staff to carry out their preliminary enquiries.

"Initial indications on the crash are that the driver of a truck and trailer unit lost control of his vehicle on a 65km/h sign-posted corner, about 3km south of Ngaruawahia, and collided with a utility vehicle about 5.45pm.

"Diggers had to be brought in to remove the truck's load, about 30 tonne of urea, while environmental experts were consulted on its disposal. Power lines were brought down in the crash and it took several hours before linemen were able to access the site and restore power to the area."

Mr Toomey said the utility vehicle was trapped between the cab and the trailer of the truck and the driver of the utility died of his injuries at the scene.

Of concern for Police is that last night's crash happened very close to the spot where two trucks collided last month and where another truck crashed about three months ago.

"Obviously it's too early to speak on the cause of last night's crash but it is concerning drivers may not be driving to the conditions which involves more than just slowing down when it rains.

"Drivers, no matter what type of vehicle they are driving, need to heed posted speed limits, watch their fatigue levels and basically drive to survive," he said.

Last night's crash brings the Waikato Police District's road toll to 10 compared to seven for the same period last year.