A 20-year-old man who was killed when his car hit a tree last night was banned from driving, didn't have a licence, was not wearing a seatbelt and probably speeding, say police
Vinnie Pearson was the sole occupant of the car which hit the bumper of another car before colliding with a large tree on Trig Road, south of Waihi, about 5.40pm.
Sergeant Dave Litton told the Waikato Times Mr Pearson did not have a driver's licence and was forbidden to drive in 2008.
District road policing manager Inspector Leo Tooman said Mr Pearson had not been wearing a seatbelt and sped up to catch up with a mate.
When he caught up with the friend's car he collided with its rear end before leaving the road, flying over a driveway and hitting a tree, Mr Tooman said.
The serious crash unit was still investigating the accident.
