Road Safety Week 2026 in New Zealand, held from 4 to 10 May, highlights a simple but powerful message: everyone can be a road safety hero.
The Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) is proud to support this important initiative and to recognise the many individuals and organisations working to reduce road trauma and support people affected by crashes across Aotearoa New Zealand.
This year’s theme, Be a road safety hero, acknowledges the collective effort required to create safer journeys. From emergency services and health professionals to engineers, educators, employers, and community advocates, road safety is a shared responsibility – and progress depends on collaboration across all sectors.
ACRS members play a vital role in this system. Across New Zealand, our members contribute expertise in policy, research, infrastructure design, education, enforcement, and post-crash care. Their work reflects the Safe System approach – recognising that while human error is inevitable, death and serious injury on our roads is not.
Throughout the week, daily themes recognise specific groups whose work contributes to safer roads and better outcomes for those affected by crashes. These include emergency responders, businesses, schools, road safety professionals, campaigners, and families.
Road Safety Week is also an opportunity for everyone to take action:
- recognising those who make a difference
- advocating for safe and healthy journeys
- learning about proven road safety solutions
- committing to safer behaviour on the road
ACRS encourages members and the wider community to participate by celebrating road safety heroes, sharing their stories, and continuing to promote evidence-based solutions that reduce road trauma.
Creating a safer road transport system requires sustained commitment, strong partnerships, and community leadership. During New Zealand Road Safety Week 2026, we acknowledge the dedication of all those working toward this goal and reaffirm our collective responsibility to ensure safer journeys for everyone.
For anyone in Auckland NZ on Thursday 7 May, please join the ACRS NZ Chapter and Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Alliance for a road safety conversation on why road safety leadership matters. Register here.
