January equals lowest ever monthly road toll

LAST month's road toll equalled the lowest figure recorded for any month since records began in 1965, the Land Transport Safety Authority said today.

The 29 deaths on New Zealand roads this January is also the lowest ever figure for the month – surpassing the previous low of 31 deaths in January 1996.

Director of Land Transport Safety Reg Barrett said the lower road toll was a welcome improvement over last year, when 54 people died in January.

“It appears that drivers are heeding some of the key road safety messages put out over the summer period. We have been telling motorists that they must take responsibility for themselves and others on the road and adopt safe driving habits.

“The challenge now is to avoid any complacency. Twenty-nine deaths still represents far too many tragedies and wasted lives.

"If people can remember to keep their speed down, wear their seatbelts and stay off the roads when they're drinking, then there will be further improvements ahead.”

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