Safe system explained

New Zealand is taking a 'safe system' approach to reducing trauma on our roads. But what does that mean? 

The Difference Between Life and Death is an engaging 20-minute film explaining the safe system, which forms the basis of the government’s Safer Journeys strategy.

The  approach is a proven way to save lives and reduce serious injuries on our roads. It acknowledges that even responsible people sometimes make mistakes - and that speed, road design, vehicle design and other factors all contribute.

Originally developed in Sweden, it has been applied in New Zealand since 2010.

The film unravels a fatal crash and reconstructs it in a safe system, looking at factors which might have prevented the tragedy. It includes interviews with police officers and other road safety experts.

The video, embedded above, can also be found on the Safer Journeys website, along with a range of other information about the safe system.