The moment an unsecured mattress flies off the top of a driver's car and causes a serious crash on Auckland's motorway has been caught on camera.
In the footage released by police, the mattress can be seen landing on the car following behind before a different driver, who appears to miss the hazard, slams into the scene.
In a video posted to Facebook, Constable Ajay Gargi from New Zealand Police says staying focused on the roads can save lives.
"It's crucial to stay focused on your driving to keep yourself and others safe on our roads."
Gargi says the distracted driver left the driver in front trapped inside their vehicle.
"A person has become trapped and fire staff have had to cut them out of the vehicle," he added.
Police took the opportunity to remind drivers of the consequences a careless vehicle load can lead to.
"A careless vehicle load can lead to serious injury or death to other road users."
