Positive trend marks end of road safety campaign

Police and partner agencies say a two-month long summer road safety campaign has achieved some very positive results.

The multi-agency road safety campaign ended on Friday (31 January). It targeted speeding and other risky behavior and introduced an extended 4km/hr reduced speed threshold for the first time beyond traditional holiday periods.

"While it will take several months until a full and robust assessment of the campaign can be carried out, road safety agencies have been extremely heartened that most drivers seem to be taking the 'slow down' message on board," says National Manager Road Policing, Superintendent Carey Griffiths.

The end of campaign follows a record low road toll for 2013 and one of the lowest January tolls on record.

Mr Griffiths says the figures reflect a continuing downward trend, with statistics showing that:

• 254 fatalities were recorded in 2013, the lowest road toll in 60 years, compared with 308 in 2012
• 23 deaths were recorded in December 2013, the lowest December road toll since monthly records began in 1965
• 20 deaths were recorded for January 2014 – the second lowest number for January since monthly records began in 1965, and just two higher than the record low of 18 in January 2013
• 43 deaths were recorded in December 2013 and January 2014 – nearly half the 82 recorded in December/January 2008/2009. The 4km/hr holiday speed threshold was introduced in 2010.

"This long-term trend is due to several factors: safer speeds, safer vehicles, and safer roads and roadsides – and just as importantly, improved driver behaviour, thanks to the vast majority of Kiwis driving more safely and looking out for each other," says Mr Griffiths.

“This is supported by the work that road safety agencies are doing through the Safer Journeys Strategy and safer system approach.

"That said, sadly, it's still 43 too many people who have died so far this summer - along with countless others who have been hurt – leaving grieving families and friends behind. That's why Police and its road safety partners will be continuing to focus on making our roads safer this coming year and maintaining the downward trend.”

The 4km/hr threshold remains permanently in force around all schools.

Police will maintain a strong focus on targeting drink-driving, speed, and other high-risk road behaviour throughout 2014.