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Traffic accidents

Road Safety Week: Government's Crackdown on Drunk Drivers Shows Significant Results

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The New Zealand Government's efforts to improve road safety are yielding results, with a nearly 40% reduction in alcohol-related road deaths in 2024. According to Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell, the Road Policing Investment Programme (RPIP) is a key driver of this success, with Police delivering 4,118,159 passive breath and breath screening tests in 2024 - the highest number recorded in a calendar year. This marked a 35% increase in high-risk alcohol hours testing compared to the previous financial year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of alcohol-related road fatalities reduced by nearly 40%, from 92 in 2023 to 57 in 2024, making 2024 the lowest road toll since 2014.
  • In 2024, Police delivered 4,118,159 passive breath and breath screening tests - the highest number recorded in a calendar year and 35% above the year-to-date target.
  • The RPIP targets 65% of breath testing to focus on the highest risk times, with Police exceeding this target in the first nine months of the current financial year.
  • Roadside testing for drug driving is anticipated to begin later this year, following the passage of legislation in March 2025.
  • Random and selective breath testing is proven to discourage people from drinking and driving, with every breath test delivered potentially saving a life.

Statistics:

  • 57 alcohol-related road fatalities in 2024, a nearly 40% reduction from 92 in 2023.
  • 4,118,159 passive breath and breath screening tests delivered by Police in 2024.
  • 35% increase in high-risk alcohol hours testing compared to the previous financial year.
  • 3,286,094 passive breath and breath screening tests delivered by Police in the first nine months of the current financial year (July 2024 to March 2025), 33% above the year-to-date target.
  • 2,177,179 passive breath and breath screening tests delivered during high or extreme risk alcohol hours in the first nine months of the current financial year.
  • 113 deaths where a driver tested above the alcohol limit (or test refused) and/or tested positive for drugs in 2024.

Sources:

  • [www.contify.com/news/new-zealand-psnu9a/road-safety-week-counts-down-as-govt-scores-victory-in-crackdown-on-drunk-drivers/](http://www.contify.com/news/new-zealand-psnu9a/road-safety-week-counts-down-as-govt-scores-victory-in-crackdown-on-drunk-drivers/)
  • [www.police.govt.nz/news/press-releases/road-safety-week/](http://www.police.govt.nz/news/press-releases/road-safety-week/)

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