Road deaths in NZ from January to Nov 2024
The Role of Drugs and Alcohol in Road Fatalities in New Zealand
Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of road deaths in New Zealand, with concerning trends linked to the use of drugs and alcohol. Recent data highlights an increase in fatalities where drugs or alcohol were significant contributing factors, presenting a major public safety issue that disproportionately affects other road users, especially pedestrians., drivers and passengers.
There were 178 deaths related to Drugs and Alcohol in 2022 implying 53% of deaths that year were attributed to Drugs and Alcohol.
Key Data and Trends
- Between 2012 and 2022, crashes involving drugs or alcohol consistently accounted for a substantial proportion of road deaths in New Zealand. For example, in 2023, alcohol or drugs were major contributors to fatal crashes, underscoring the urgency of addressing impaired driving Source:Ministry of Transport
- Repeat offenders remain a concern, with 27% of drink-driving offences committed by those with prior convictions. Meanwhile, only 26% of drivers believed they were likely to be caught for drug driving, indicating a gap in perceived enforcementMinistry of Transport.
- Alcohol and drugs are the number one contributing factor in fatal road crashes in New Zealand. Over 2019-2022, crashes involving drug drivers claimed the lives of an average of 105 people each year and represented around 30 per cent of all road deaths
Drugs and Alcohol as a contributing Factor for fatalities
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
| D&A Fatalities | 142 | 135 | 178 |
Risks to Pedestrians
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users, with impaired drivers often failing to react in time or losing control of their vehicles. Many pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas where foot traffic is high, exacerbating the impact of impaired driving.6
The data below illustrates road fatalities across user groups over five years:
| Role | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian | 29 | 21 | 34 | 23 | 19 |
| Cyclist | 11 | 7 | 18 | 8 | 18 |
| Motorcyclist | 47 | 40 | 44 | 46 | 32 |
| Motorcycle Pillion | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Driver | 142 | 149 | 179 | 162 | 122 |
| Passenger | 57 | 68 | 57 | 58 | 50 |
| Total | 287 | 286 | 332 | 297 | 243 |
Gender Disparities in Road Fatalities in New Zealand
Recent road death statistics in New Zealand reveal notable differences in fatalities by gender, with men consistently making up a significant majority of victims. These trends highlight the need for tailored road safety interventions that address specific risk factors associated with gendered behaviours and road use.
From 2020 to 2024, the annual road death figures by gender show a marked disparity:
| Gender | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 75 | 72 | 84 | 84 | 74 |
| Male | 212 | 214 | 248 | 213 | 169 |
| Total | 287 | 286 | 332 | 297 | 243 |
In 2024, males accounted for 70% of total road deaths, maintaining a consistent overrepresentation. This is in line with broader global trends, where males often exhibit higher risk-taking behaviours, such as speeding, drink-driving, and reduced seatbelt use, leading to increased vulnerability on the roads.
Implications of Gendered Trends
- High-Risk Behaviours: Men are more likely to engage in high-risk driving practices, often influenced by alcohol or drug impairment.
- Targeted Interventions: Public safety campaigns and enforcement measures could benefit from a gender-specific focus, addressing behaviours predominantly seen among male drivers.
- Female Road User Risks: While females constitute a smaller portion of fatalities, their numbers remain significant, necessitating safety improvements for passengers and vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
Comprehensive Road Safety Efforts
Reducing road fatalities across genders requires an integrated approach:
To combat this growing problem, New Zealand is implementing measures such as roadside oral fluid testing for drugs, scheduled to be operational by 2025. Increased breath and drug testing will demonstrate life-saving impacts.
To safeguard pedestrians and other road users, New Zealand is taking a multi-pronged approach:
- Enhanced Testing and Enforcement: Initiatives like the introduction of roadside oral fluid drug testing by 2025 aim to deter drug-impaired driving.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: These target behaviour change by emphasising the consequences of impaired driving.
- Improved Infrastructure: Measures such as safer pedestrian crossings and urban traffic calming can reduce collision risks.
- NZ Workplaces need to effective drug and alcohol policies , being implemented and reviewed regularly.
To combat this growing problem, New Zealand is implementing measures such as roadside oral fluid testing for drugs, scheduled to be operational by 2025. Increased breath and drug testing will demonstrate life-saving impacts.
For detailed insights and ongoing updates, visit the Ministry of Transport’s Road Safety Statistics page