After another tragic year on New Zealand roads, Associate Minister of Transport Julie Anne Genter is emphasising Government's commitment to improving the country's road safety record.
"380 people were killed on our roads in 2018. It is staggering and unnecessary loss of life - equivalent in scale to a major airline crash," said Julie Anne Genter.
"It is yet another reminder of the need to make substantial improvements to road safety in New Zealand.
"Today, my thoughts are with the families, friends and communities of the 380 people who lost their lives 2018.
"I also want to recognise the efforts of all our emergency responders who witness first-hand the trauma on our roads. We know this is having an impact on you and your families and we want to thank you for your service.
"Many deaths and serious injuries on our roads are preventable. This Government is committed to reducing deaths and serious injuries through new thinking, more funding and prioritised action.
"The Government is investing $1.4 billion over three years to make urgent safety improvements across our high-risk roads. On high volume state highways New Zealanders can expect to see more improvements like life-saving median and side barriers and crash-preventing rumble strips.
"This year we will be consulting the public on a new road safety strategy and action plan to drive substantial improvements in road safety in New Zealand," said Julie Anne Genter.
