Like so many longstanding first responders, Mark Going has lost count of the number of road crashes he has attended.

Thirty-eight years into his Hato Hone St John career, the Whangārei-based Critical Care Paramedic says there are far are too many to count.

“It seems to be pretty much a weekly occurrence for me to respond to road crashes - some minor and others fatal,” says Going, who has been involved in Northland road safety for two decades.

As an ambulance service, Going and his colleagues too often see first-hand the results of crashes, the effect it has on the occupants and the grief that it leaves with friends and whānau.

“The best experience of a road crash is when the victims come away physically unharmed from a serious crash. The worst types of crashes for me are when the victims, through no fault of their own, suffer serious injuries and death because of the poor decisions of others.

“While we try our absolute best for the patient, sometimes due to the extent of their injuries they do not make it. Quite often I leave the scene of a serious crash, thinking what could have been, how a crash could have been so easily avoided, and also, as a result of that crash, how someone's life will never be the same.”

Despite this, Going says his work does have highlights.

“Making a positive difference to someone's life, in what could be their worst day and greatest time of need.

“We all need to take responsibility for road safety. It is just not the responsibility of the driver. As a passenger or friend, we need to promote safe driving. That’s around how fast we go, driving to the conditions, not being distracted. If tired, pull over and rest, and never driving impaired by drugs and alcohol.

“I think if everyone concentrated on their immediate family and group of friends, to influence and promote good, safe driving, we would go a long way in reducing harm through crashes. We all want our families and friends to get home safe, so if we see an issue, we need to speak up.”

Going believes it is important students take their time to get familiar with driving, the road rules and the car they are in.

“Take your time, drive to your abilities and don’t let your peers negatively influenced the way you drive.

“For parents, my message is to make sure everyone is securely fastened before driving off. Set a good example to your children around how you drive, so they learn good habits. Nobody wants to be responsible for killing or maiming their own child, and when our children start driving themselves, all we really want is for them to arrive at their destination safely.”

Going is adamant that when we are in the driver’s seat, we need to fully concentrate on what we are doing.

“Are we feeling 100%? Are we concentrating 100%? Are we driving to the conditions?

“The decisions we make behind the wheel, or the influence we have as a passenger or friend, can make an enormous difference in outcomes on the road. We all need to play our part and take responsibility in reducing road crashes.

“There are many factors that cause deaths on our roads and Northland is not alone in this, so we all need to be part of the solution.”

Going cites four messages that drivers should always have top of mind:

• if you feel tired, pull over and have a rest or get someone else to drive. Plan your trip so you can have some breaks
• If you are driving, put your phone on silent and check it when you stop, so you don’t get distracted
• Drive at a speed that reflects the conditions, plan to leave a little earlier so you don’t have to rush
• If you are planning on drinking alcohol, get a sober mate to drive, organise alternative transport, or stay the night.

Road Safety Week (May 4-10) will culminate with the annual Road Safety Hero run/walk of the Hātea Loop in Whangārei at 1pm on Friday, May 8, where the 24 lives lost in Northland road crashes in 2025 will be acknowledged.

“Road Safety Week in Northland is also a chance to highlight road safety heroes and champions in our community who do amazing mahi around road safety,” says Northland Road Safety Trust Manager Ashley Johnston.

A full list of Northland Road Safety Week workshop dates and locations can be found at https://www.facebook.com/nrsnrcnz

To register for 2026 Road Safety Heroes walk/run go to https://forms.office.com/r/V0TVyQa8jr and to find out more about Road Safety Week 2026 (including downloading educational packs), check out https://www.roadsafetyweek.org.nz/

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