Road toll down in 2024
The provisional number of road deaths for 2024 is down to 289 from last year’s total of 341, but police warn that even one life lost is one too many.
Superintendent Steve Greally, Director of Road Policing, says officers have done, and continue to do, everything possible to reduce fatal and serious-injury crashes on New Zealand roads. Breath tests have more than doubled in the last couple of years, surpassing four million tests by June 2025, all while maintaining a strong focus on speed enforcement.
Operation Open Roads, launched in December 2022, has helped bring down the toll of deaths and serious injuries significantly. Superintendent Greally stresses that those who drive irresponsibly shouldn’t expect warnings, given that the chances of being caught are now much higher.
“Drivers have a simple role,” he says. “Make sure everyone is buckled up, drive within the limit and conditions, put your phone away, and avoid fatigue, alcohol, and drugs.”
Police are asking everyone heading off over summer to keep these reminders in mind. Be patient, be cautious, and arrive safely – because one tragedy on the roads is one too many.
