Waikato Police hope the tragic loss of an overseas student on a rural highway on Friday will serve as a reminder to motorists to drive to survive.

District Maori Responsiveness Manager Inspector Frank Grant says the crash which killed 20-year-old Indian student Dilbag Singh Sekhon is still being investigated by the Serious Crash Unit.

'Initial indications are the crash occurred after the car he was driving crossed the centreline and collided with an oncoming truck and trailer unit on State Highway Two between Ngatea and Paeroa,” says Frank. 'On behalf of New Zealand Police I would like to express our sympathies to Mr Sekhon's friends and family.

'We are working to provide the appropriate support they need to facilitate his return home.”

Dilbag Sekhon was not a tourist but an international student residing in Katikati and had been living in the country for about 12 months.

Conditions at the time of the crash were dry but overcast, and Frank says all roads demand the respect of all road users, regardless of nationality.

'Wet weather has set in across the Waikato over the weekend and we're asking people to do all they can to prevent themselves coming to harm on our roads.

'That includes avoiding drinking and driving, turning your lights on when driving, watching your speed, keeping left and using approved restraints.”