Invercargill police say there have been too many deaths on the city's roads this year, and are urging parents to ensure teenagers are not taking risks in cars.
Senior Sergeant Bruce Terry says speed was a factor in the death of an 18-year-old passenger of a car that crashed into a power pole on a straight section of Matua Rd in the suburb of Otatara on Friday night
The teenager, a front-seat passenger, died at the scene. Four others in the car were taken to hospital with minor to serious injuries.
Senior Sergeant Terry says the five people had driven away from a social function and the driver was speeding in his modified car. He says the police have taken a blood sample from the driver to check whether he had also been drinking.
He is calling on parents to ensure they know where their children are, who they are with and that they don't take risks.
Deputy mayor Neil Boniface has described the death as tragedy, and is supporting the police's call.
The crash brought down a power pole down across a driveway, cutting power to 73 households for several hours.
