This morning Waikato Police have released the name of a man killed in a three car collision on a rural highway near Morrinsville on Wednesday.

On behalf of police Eastern Waikato Area Commander Inspector Hywel Jones extended his sympathies to the family of 50-year-old Kihikihi man Timothy Patrick O'Brien.

Hywel says the Serious Crash Unit was still investigating the crash which happened on State Highway 26 at the intersection of Harbottle Rd at Motumaoho, at about 2.30pm.

'The cause of the crash is yet to be determined,” says Hywel. But initial indications are the driver of a Mercedes car travelling from Hamilton has failed to negotiate an 85km/h sign-posted corner.

'[It] left the road before re-entering the road and colliding with a van. This van in turn, collided with third vehicle.

Hywel says weather conditions shortly after the crash were wet but, about 12 hours later another collision on a rural Waikato highway in the Coromandel claimed the life of a motorist in what were described as ideal driving conditions.

'Incidents on our highways over the past three days highlight that our roads need to be respected regardless of time of day, climate or terrain.

'As the school holidays draw to a close this holiday weekend, police are urging the public to work with us and do all they can to ensure Waikato roads are a safe social environment to travel.”