New Zealand is on track for the lowest road toll since 1950, as the worldwide day of remembrance took place yesterday for road traffic victims.

As at today, there have been 219 people killed on New Zealand roads this year. That is 38 less deaths than at the same date in 2012.

“We are on track for the lowest road toll since 1950 when there were 232 deaths,” says AA spokesperson Dylan  Thomsen.

“It is extremely pleasing that there are less and less people dying on our roads but the suffering from every serious crash is horrific for those involved.

“We can still do a lot more as individuals and a country to reduce the suffering from road crashes.”

The AA would also like to see more focus put on the thousands of injuries from road crashes.

“While road deaths have dropped significantly since 2010, injuries have not decreased as much and last year there were close to 12,000 people hurt from road crashes.

“That is nearly 33 people every day being hurt from crashes that often involve people making a mistake or bad choice.”

The day of remembrance for road traffic victims is a global event supported by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile and automobile clubs around the world in recognition of the estimated 1.3 million who die and 50 million people who are injured on the world’s roads each year. It also pays tribute to all the emergency service staff and medical professionals who help the victims of road crashes.

For more information contact:

Dylan Thomsen
Senior Communications Adviser
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. 04 931 9991
M. 027 703 9935
E. dthomsen@aa.co.nz 

The New Zealand Automobile Association is an incorporated society with over one million members. It represents the interests of road users who collectively pay over $2 billion in taxes each year through fuels excise, road user charges and GST.