There's been a sudden spike in deaths on New Zealand roads - since last Thursday 11 people have lost their lives
Police are still investigating those collisions but they warn speed is a problem in many crashes.
A black car crashed with a truck near a busy Christchurch intersection on Friday morning, adding to a horrific eight days on our roads.
"You just have to think about the families of those people, the friends of those people, who rightfully would not have expected this to happen and now they're planning funerals and tangis," national police roading manager Steve Greally said.
A truck and car were also involved in a serious crash on State Highway One near Karapiro overnight.
The wrecked SUV was found 25 metres from the road and both the driver and passenger died at the scene.
Investigations into these latest accidents are still in the early stages but the message from police tonight is simple - please slow down.
"Speed's about 30 percent of the trauma picture in New Zealand. People are just driving far too fast for the conditions unfortunately," Greally said.
Cyclists are among the tragedies too. One was killed last Thursday, hit by a truck in the Auckland suburb of Parnell.
A second was also run over by a truck just days later in the Christchurch suburb of Hornby.
Spokesperson for national road safety charity Brake Caroline Perry said there have been some improvements to infrastructure such as separated cycle lanes and off road cycle paths, but more is needed.
Police are urging drivers to stick to the basics - don't drink, don't text, and don't drive if you're tired.
Greally said common sense will keep people alive.
"It only takes one or two people not to do it or to take that risk that is unwarranted to cause absolute trauma and that's what we're seeing that's what we're seeing this week in particular."
With wet and icy roads expected this weekend, the warning couldn't be clearer.
