A plea from police to stay safe of on our roads

Eight people have died in car crashes just this weekend - five of them in four separate crashes in Waikato.

Three more people died in a single- vehicle crash in Northland.

While the causes of the crashes are unknown, police say most road deaths can be avoided.

They're reminding people to wear seatbelts, avoid distractions like cellphones and drive within the speed limit and conditions.