In releasing the name of a man killed in a multiple vehicle collision near Cambridge over the weekend, the Waikato's top road policing officer asks people to reflect on the tragic nature of the loss rather than statistics.

Road Policing Manager, Inspector Freda Grace, said the crash in which 61-year-old Ngatea man, Robert Charles BARR, died in is still under investigation by the Waikato Serious Crash Unit.

"As part of this investigation, crash investigators will need to close SH1 at the intersection with Hautapu Rd as they return to the scene about 9.30am on Wednesday to conduct further analysis.

"It's too early to say what the cause of the crash was, at this point we know a line of three southbound vehicles have collided to varying degrees with Mr BARR'S 4x4 vehicle that was towing a trailer."

Mrs Grace said four occupants of the two southbound cars and a van suffered minor to serious injuries and were taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance.

"It's now well known that Saturday's crash took the Waikato road toll to four deaths from four crashes, the same figures for the same period last year.

"What may not be reflected on with the releasing Mr BARR'S name is that there is a family stricken by loss and Police would like to extend our sympathies to his friends and family. At the same time there are four other people with various degrees of recovery and rehabilitation in front of them."

Mrs Grace said she hoped consideration could be given to the human cost of road crashes as this is probably the most effective way of preventing mistakes from happening.

"Every life lost, everybody broken is a loved one to someone out there. It could be your mum, dad, sister, brother or spouse.

"Road safety is no accident- only by driving socially can we ensure all our friends and family can be kept safe on the roads."

ENDS

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