Hawke's Bay is recording its deadliest annual road toll in recent years

Twenty-three people died in crashes this year - including this summer road toll's only two fatalities so far.

One person's died, after their vehicle plunged off a bank on State Highway 2 north of Eskdale yesterday.

It follows a man dying in hospital on Monday, after being struck by a car in Napier on Boxing Day.

Police are continuing to investigate both crashes and want to speak to witnesses.