The Government has rolled out its Road Safety Objectives, which were signed off by Minister of Transport Simeon Brown.

The road safety objectives document aims to tackle New Zealand’s most challenging road safety issues, Brown said in the document.

“Its effectiveness will rely on everyone doing their bit. Road controlling authorities, the vehicle industry, and road users all play a crucial role in improving road safety,. .

In 2022, the road death rate in New Zealand was 7.3 per 100,000, higher than comparable Australian states, with only the Northern Territories exceeding it at 12.3 deaths.

“Road deaths and serious injuries place a substantial burden on families, communities, the economy, and the health sector each year, with significant costs incurred by the Accident Compensation Corporation and other parties,” Brown said.

The Government is focused on improving road safety by developing safe infrastructure, targeting causes of fatal crashes through effective policing, and ensuring a safer vehicle fleet in New Zealand, the document said.

“Investing in new and safe Roads of National Significance and increasing road policing and enforcement are priorities for the Government as these are some of the most important tools for improving safety on New Zealand’s roads,” Brown said.

Alcohol and drugs are one of the main causes of fatal crashes in New Zealand, according to the Road Safety Objectives document. Only 26% of drivers think they will be caught for drug driving, and 60% for drink driving. Repeat offenders account for 27% of drink driving charges.

“The Government is committed to improving road safety by targeting the highest contributing factors to fatal road crashes, including alcohol and drugs,” Brown said.

Over 850,000 more alcohol breath tests were undertaken on the roads between 2023 and 2025 compared to the previous year, saving 37 lives across the country.

“We know that alcohol breath testing and drug testing are incredibly effective at saving lives,” the Road Safety Objectives document said.

The design and safety features of vehicles are vital for helping drivers avoid crashes and protecting all road users. High-performance safety vehicles are built to absorb crash impacts, reducing the risk of death or serious injury.

“Improving access to safer vehicles drives better outcomes as vehicle safety contributes to the survivability of most crashes,” said the document.

The Road Safety Objectives document stressed resetting speed limits. despite a Waka Kotahi report finding that 70% of New Zealanders believe enforcing speed limits helps reduce road deaths.

“The Government is changing its approach to speed limits, moving away from the previous blanket reductions,” the document said.

- SunLive