2018 has been a tragic year on New Zealand roads, according to the government.
Provisional data has revealed 380 people died in vehicle accidents throughout the year – the worst annual figure since 2009, when 384 people were killed.
Transport Associate Minister Julie Anne Genter said the figure is a “staggering and unnecessary loss of life – equivalent in scale to a major airline crash.”
“It is yet another reminder of the need to make substantial improvements to road safety in New Zealand,” she noted. “Today, my thoughts are with the families, friends and communities of the 380 people who lost their lives in 2018.”
The minister highlighted the government is investing $1.4 billion over three years to make urgent safety improvements across New Zealand’s high-risk roads.
“On high volume state highways, New Zealanders can expect to see more improvements like life-saving median and side barriers and crash-preventing rumble strips.
“This year we will be consulting the public on a new road safety strategy and action plan to drive substantial improvements in road safety in New Zealand,” she added.
