The NZ Transport Agency is asking the public to join it in observing the world day of remembrance for road traffic victims this Sunday, 17 November.
This day, which is endorsed by the United Nations. is dedicated to remembering the millions killed or injured in road crashes and their families and communities, as well as to pay tribute to the dedicated emergency crews, police and medical professionals who deal with the traumatic aftermath of road deaths and injuries.
Ernst Zollner, Director Road Safety says: “Every year we make further progress on reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries, but we know we’ve still got a long way to go. New Zealand still has double the per-capita rate of road deaths compared to the UK, and we need to remain actively committed to preventing more and more tragedies every year."
“The sobering facts are that 308 people died on our roads last year, 3,832 in the last 10 years, and 37,542 people since records began in 1921.
“Sunday is an poignant and powerful reminder for us all about the importance of the work we must do together to improve road safety and the outcomes for those who may be involved in a crash. We are making a real difference to create a safe transport system free of death or serious injury, but we need everyone’s help to get to zero.”
For more information about the world day or remembrance for road traffic victims, visit www.worlddayofremembrance.org(external link). For more information about the NZ Government's Safer Journeys strategy, visit www.saferjourneys.govt.nz(external link)
