New Zealand recorded a provisional 272 road deaths in 2025, down from 292 in 2024, marking the third consecutive annual decline amid an expansion of police road-safety enforcement.
Police said the trend reflects sustained activity under Operation Open Roads, including nearly 4.5 million alcohol breath tests conducted in the 2024/25 financial year and more than 500,000 speeding infringements issued.
Speed and impairment remain primary targets for road policing. Authorities said they will maintain a high-visibility presence over the holiday period and continue stopping and testing drivers as part of efforts to cut serious injuries and fatalities.
December saw the introduction of roadside drug-driver testing in the Wellington region, with a nationwide scale-up planned between April and June 2026. Police characterized the drug-testing rollout as a key next step alongside alcohol testing and speed enforcement.
Despite the reductions, police noted that too many families are still being affected by fatal crashes and urged motorists to slow down, wear seatbelts, avoid distractions, and drive free of fatigue, drugs, and alcohol. The goal, officials said, is to continue lowering deaths in the coming years as enforcement and public-education measures expand.
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