Deaths involving drink-driving in Aotearoa have doubled since 2013 – reaching a 10-year peak last year.

In 2022, 163 deaths were recorded, 111 of which were people above the legal limit or who refused a test, according to Waka Kotahi data, released to the Automobile Association under the Official Information Act.

'It's more than double the 53 drunk driving deaths recorded in 2013,” says AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen.

The total number of alcohol-related deaths on the road then was 82.

'Right now New Zealand is losing the battle on drunk driving. The numbers are getting worse rather than better and we have to flip that around.”

The leap in alcohol related deaths was 'hugely concerning”.

Last year was also the deadliest year on New Zealand's roads since 2018, recording 377 deaths – 59 more than the previous year.

In terms of alcohol-related deaths, the worst affected regions between 2018 and 2022 were Waikato which recorded 132, Auckland recording 89 and Northland at 79.

Dylan says there are not enough alcohol checkpoints, a critical tool in preventing serious injuries and deaths on the road.

It's not the only solution but acts as an effective deterrent when drivers regularly see them, he says.

'As well as being a deterrent they are a crucial final line of defence to stop impaired drivers harming themselves and others.”

Other measures include alcohol interlocks, specialist alcohol and other drug courts and rehabilitation treatment for drunk drivers who are caught.

In reponse to the AA's findings, police say they are committed to reducing deaths on NZ roads.

Data released by the association shows there were 111 deaths in crashes involving drunk drivers last year, compared to 78 in 2021.

"Any death on the roads is one too many," says acting Assistant Commissioner Naila Hassan.

"We remain committed to reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads, along with our road safety partners."

The findings presented by the AA highlight legitimate concerns, however Police do not believe this tells the whole story.

'While Police certainly has a role to play with regards to number breath screening tests that are conducted, it is disingenuous to lay the drink driving problem squarely at Police's feet.

"Everyone has a personal responsibility not to get behind the wheel if they've been drinking.

"It's very simple.

"We need people to take that responsibility, for the safety of themselves and others.

"One of the worst jobs in Police is having to turn up at someone's house and let them know a loved one has died.

"It's truly heartbreaking, and the ongoing impact on families and friends cannot be underestimated."

Photo: RNZ.

One factor highlighted by the AA is the number of breath screening tests being conducted by Police.

Police have a target of three million breath tests per year, which is not currently being met.

In recent years, the impact of the Covid pandemic have significantly impacted Police's ability to conduct breath tests, although there has been a significant uptick in the number conducted in the past 12 months, with 2.5 million carried out.

Assistant Commissioner Hassan says Police will continue to focus on road policing as a priority, with our key focus being the four main drivers of death and serious injury on our roads.

Those are driving too fast for the conditions; driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue; driving while distracted – including using a cell phone; and not being properly restrained.

"We know complacency can creep in for drivers.

"But we want you to be aware - you can be stopped at any time.

"Most of our frontline officers carry breathalisers, so there's every likelihood that you will be breath tested on the spot.

'Our police officers, including our dedicated road policing staff, are passionate about keeping people safe and every day they are out on our roads across the country educating and enforcing safe driving behaviour."

-Additoonal reporting by Hanna McCallum/Stuff.