With this Sunday (15 November) marking World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims, road safety agencies would like all motorists to reflect on the 275 people who have so far lost their lives on the roads this year.
“It’s the loved ones that are left behind that have to carry the pain and devastation that fatal crashes cause," says Superintendent Steve Greally, National Manager Road Policing.
“That's at least 275 families and whanau that are broken forever, not to mention the wider impact on their friends, their communities and the country as a whole."
Police across New Zealand and Australia will also be taking time to remember crash victims and their families on the day.
While the long term road toll trend is tracking downwards, Police and partner agencies are concerned at the current rate of road deaths, which is tracking 25 higher than at the same time last year.
Caroline Perry, New Zealand Director of road safety charity Brake, says: "Through our support services, we regularly hear about the devastating impact that road crashes have on the loved ones left behind. Families, friends, schools, workplaces and communities all suffer the consequences. They're loved ones are never forgotten.
"With this World Day of Remembrance, think about the difference you personally can make to keep yourself and others safe on the road. Whether it's to slow down, keep your attention focused on the road, driving sober, or encouraging someone else to do the same, you can make a difference, and you could save a life."
Martin Matthews, Chair of the National Road Safety Committee, says the day is a solemn reminder of the cost of road crashes on our society.
"Every person killed in a road crash leaves an empty space in the lives of their families, friends and communities. Injuries resulting from crashes can also cause a lifetime of pain and discomfort. Reducing the number of victims of road crashes is a key aim of the Government’s road safety strategy.”
Mr Greally says the message is particularly important heading into summer, when there is typically an increased risk of serious and fatal crashes.
“Very shortly we will be heading into the summer holiday period where there will be a large volume of people travelling long distances and the risk of a serious or fatal crash increases – particularly in popular holiday areas.
"If we continue at the same rate, then conservatively there will be an estimated 40 more families and whanau who will lose loved ones in road crashes by the end of this year. That is far too many.
“While road safety agencies continue to work on various initiatives to reduce road trauma, we cannot do it alone. One of the biggest factors that influences whether or not crashes occur is the decision-making and behaviour of individual drivers.
“Everyone has someone who loves them and wants them to stay safe, so please think of them and keep to the speed limit, don’t drink and drive, put away your mobile phone and give the road ahead your full attention.”
ENDS
Media contacts:
Police: Ross Henderson, ph 021 192 2919.
MOT: Felicity Connell, ph 022 066 2431.
Brake: Caroline Perry, ph 021 407 953.