Media statement | 29 March 2005

Easter road toll a grim reminder

The Easter weekend road toll of nine deaths, most of which were a result of excessive speed, is a grim reminder that speed is the number one killer on New Zealand’s roads, says the Director of Land Transport Wayne Donnelly.

“The nine deaths, many the result of excessive speed, are a tragic but very real reminder that speed is the biggest cause of road deaths in New Zealand.”

The link between speed and road deaths is the focus of the latest New Zealand road safety enforcement and advertising campaign, which focuses on the emotional trauma wrought on the surviving family of a victim of excessive speed.

“Speeding is an ingrained behaviour for many New Zealanders and, unlike drink-driving, many people have yet to make the link between speed and death and injury on our roads.

“All evidence shows that advertising, in conjunction with Police enforcement, is working – speeds are dropping, drink-driving is dropping and safety belt wearing rates are up.

“It’s disappointing that a small minority of drivers ignore these messages,” Mr Donnelly says.

For more information:

Kate Wright
Acting Communications Manager
Land Transport New Zealand
Ph: 04 931 8715 or 021 500 343