This photo was taken from dashcam footage of the Rav 4 as it strayed into an oncoming passing lane in Awakino Rd, on August 6.
Police believe a car involved in a head on smash at Waerenga last week had been involved in a near-miss near Te Kūiti just two days earlier.
The second crash resulted in injuries to two drivers, who were taken to Waikato Hospital.
Sergeant Jimmie Walker of the Ōtorohanga police said both incidents involved the same vehicle straying over the centreline and into the path of oncoming cars.
The earlier incident had been reported to police by a motorists who provided dash cam footage of the car heading north – and then straying into a south bound passing lane into the path of another car.
Walker said there is no suggestion that the person at the wheel of the car was a tourist.
The first incident, on August 6, happened about 1pm.
A northbound motorist used a dashcam to record a Toyota Rav 4 as it descended Awakino hill toward Te Kūiti, and then began driving in the oncoming passing lane.
The wayward car almost caused a collision, and the driver made no attempt to swerve, Walker said.
The August 8 crash happened about 2pm, on Cozen Road, Waerenga.
Walker said the Rav 4 driver suffered serious injuries, the other drive minor injuries.
