The lowest road toll in recent history was in 2013, where 253 people died in crashes. Director of road policing Superintendent Steven Greally told the Herald there are many variables that impact the road toll, but its decline can partly be attributed to an increase in road policing efforts over the past three years. The 2025 road toll is on track for historic lows amid tougher policing, safer roads and a weak economy. “Road policing is just one aspect of that.”AA agreed increased police presence and alcohol enforcement on roads has helped reduce road deaths. Newly released 2024 figures show alcohol-related road deaths fell from 92 in 2023 to 57 in 2024.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 29, 2025 23:36 UTC