Six deaths in four separate crashes over the weekend could have been avoided, police have said.
Four people died in two crashes in Whangārei and Mauku on Saturday, while two died in crashes in Taupō and Christchurch on Sunday.
Assistant Commissioner Bruce O'Brien said all four crashes are under investigation so police can't comment on the specific causes, "but history tells us that it's the same factors time and time again resulting in deaths and trauma on our roads."
He said police messages are not getting through to motorists on how to avoid crashes.
"Police can't stop road crashes alone. Motorists also need to play their part."
O'Brien said speed reduction is the most effective way to reduce accidents and death.
"The science tells us that just a 1km/h decrease in mean speeds across the board equates to between a 4-6% reduction in fatal crashes. In today's numbers, that means a potential saving of approximately 16 lives nationally."
He said drivers should expect more checkpoints and breath testing over summer.
"Our officers will be out in force anytime, anywhere to deter unsafe driving behaviour and we're working together with Waka Kotahi and the Ministry of Transport on the Road to Zero campaign to prevent road deaths."
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