Official road crash statistics released

Official road crash statistics released

Date:  28 October 2010

Latest annual road safety statistics show that alcohol, speed too fast for conditions and the safety of young drivers remain key road safety issues for New Zealand.

Findings from the Ministry of Transport’s Motor Vehicle Crashes in New Zealand 2009 show that last year:

•           alcohol/drugs was a factor in 34 percent of fatal crashes

•           young drivers (under 25) were 24 percent of the drivers involved in fatal crashes

•           speed too fast for the conditions was a factor in 30 percent of fatal crashes

•           motorcyclists were 13 percent of all road deaths

•           fatigue was a factor in 13 percent of fatal crashes

“It is tragic to see that so many people are still dying on our roads. These statistics show we need to remain vigilant in improving road safety,” said Safety Manager, Leo Mortimer.

“The government has progressed a number of actions for improving the safety of young drivers and reducing the impact of alcohol on the numbers of road deaths and injuries as part of its Safer Journeys road safety strategy. However, the strategy’s Safe System approach also means that everyone needs to take responsibility and do their bit to ensure our roads are safe.”

Safer Journeys actions for raising the driving age, making the restricted licence test harder to encourage more driving practice and enabling alcohol interlocks for repeat drink drivers are included in the Land Transport (Road Safety and other Matters) Amendment Bill which is currently before Select Committee.

The government has also agreed to actions for improving the safety of motorcycle and moped riders and for changing the give way rules. These will be progressed through the Land Transport Rules process.

Motor Vehicle Crashes in New Zealand 2009 and information on Safer Journeys: New Zealand’s Road Safety Strategy 2010-2020 are available at www.transport.govt.nz.

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