Every day on New Zealand roads, one person is killed and seven people are seriously injured. These outcomes are preventable, yet deaths have increased over the past 12 months.
Ahead of the 2026 New Zealand General Election, the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) New Zealand Chapter has released its Policy Platform, calling on all political parties to commit to four practical, evidence-based actions that will reduce deaths and serious injuries while improving transport productivity.
Dr Hamish Mackie, road safety professional and ACRS New Zealand Chapter Committee member, said:
“One person is killed and seven people are seriously injured on New Zealand roads every day. These are not unavoidable tragedies. We know how to prevent them. The next Government has an opportunity to make road safety a national priority by backing evidence-based policies that will save lives, reduce serious injuries and keep New Zealand moving.”
The ACRS is calling on the next New Zealand Government to:
- Restore a clear national road safety goal through the Government Policy Statement.
- Establish parliamentary road safety leadership and accountability.
- Prioritise sustainable investment in road safety.
- Restore evidence-based speed management.
The policy platform highlights that safer roads not only prevent harm but also improve network reliability, support freight, strengthen economic productivity, and keep New Zealand moving.
