February road toll 33

Thirty-three people died on the nation’s roads last month – the lowest February road toll in six years and the third lowest February road toll since records started in 1965, the Land Transport Safety Authority said today.

The average February road toll is 41.

LTSA spokesperson Craig Dowling said the lower road toll was a welcome improvement over last year, when 46 people died in February.

“It is difficult to read too much into figures from individual months, but the improved February outcome has contributed to a rolling 12-month road toll of 472. That indicates that progress is being made.

“Unfortunately 33 deaths still represents an unacceptably high level of individual tragedy and suffering. What is frustrating is that these deaths are preventable.

“Many motorists are taking on board key road safety messages of wearing their safety belts, reducing their speed, not drinking then driving, and they should be commended. Ignoring those messages should not be tolerated by friends and passengers because the results can be fatal.”

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