Cell phone use and speed are potential factors in a fatal accident near Lake Tekapo

Cell phone use and speed could have contributed to a fatal accident near Lake Tekapo.

Che Tekapa Hogg, 42, of Auckland, died after the car he was driving collided with another car on Saturday morning.

Stuff understands that Hogg had been seen driving erratically prior to the accident.

It is understood that he crossed the center line and collided with a car driven by a father whose two young children were in the rear.

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It is understood that the police are considering cell phone use and speed as factors in their investigation.

Emergency services were called to State Highway 8, near Lake Tekapo Airport, shortly after 9 a.m.

Three other people airlifted to the hospital after the accident were still in the hospital with serious injuries at 4 p.m. Sunday.

Sheriff Brad Morton of Lake Tekapo declined to comment on the circumstances of the accident, but said the fact that the two boys were securely secured in their car seats saved their lives.

The accident was one of four fatal accidents over the work weekend.

National Highway Traffic Safety Director Acting Superintendent Gini Welch called on motorists to behave safely on the roads after a “devastating start” to the weekend, with several other serious accidents.

“While it is too early to speak about the cause of these accidents, we will continue to relentlessly remind people that we all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe.

“With heavy volumes of traffic on our roads this long weekend, we implore you to keep your speed down, pay attention to your surroundings and conditions, and watch the distances that follow to ensure you arrive alive.”