The Police carrying out over 3 million breath alcohol tests last year is a huge leap towards making New Zealand’s roads safer, says the AA.  

Provisional figures showing 3,097,698 tests in 2023 is a significant improvement on the previous year’s 2.4 million screenings, says AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen. Three million tests have not been achieved in a calendar year since 2014.  

Deaths involving drivers over the limit have more than doubled since 2013, and the AA hopes the increase in alcohol testing will be a turning point for less people killed or hurt in drunk driving incidents. 

“The AA is really pleased to see the Police reach the 3 million tests mark – we know the more the public see of the police on the roads and out there testing, the less likely they are to try and drive under the influence. We want to congratulate the Police on their efforts. 

“We hope this is the start of a better-balanced testing regime that will reduce the number of crashes and save lives.”  

The AA sees breath alcohol testing as an important deterrent in preventing people from getting behind the wheel drunk. This in conjunction with interventions like alcohol interlocks, specialist alcohol and other drug courts and rehabilitation treatment for drunk drivers will help curb deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand’s roads. 

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