Police are warning motorists to be aware of black ice after multiple crashes in the Bay of Plenty this morning.

Three people were injured, two seriously, after two crashes along State Highway 38 at Kaingaroa.

The first crash was reported to emergency services just after 7.30am on State Highway 38 near Wai-Iro-Hia Rd.

A Hato Hone St John spokesman said two people with serious injuries were being taken to Rotorua Hospital.

A single-vehicle crash was reported on SH38, Kaingaroa, near Wairapukao Rd, about 2km west of the first crash, about 8.20am, a police spokesman said.

One person with moderate injuries was taken to Rotorua Hospital.

A police spokesman said four crashes mentioned black ice across the region this morning.

“Drivers throughout the wider Bay of Plenty region are being urged to watch for black ice, following several crashes.

“Take care, increase your following distances, and keep your speed down, especially in shaded patches of road.

“If a patch of road looks wet or damp, assume it’s black ice; let your car slow down on its own, and brake gently before you get to a curve,” he said.

More winter driving tips could be found here.