New Zealand’s annual road toll is trending lower, with 2025 on track to be among the lowest totals in decades.

As of this morning – with two days left of the year – the provisional toll sat at 269; if it remains below 272, it would be the second-lowest annual total since 1951.

On current figures, 2025 is tracking at about 5.0 deaths per 100,000 people – lower than 2024’s per-capita rate, and potentially the lowest since the 1920s.

Experts point to increased enforcement, better driving habits and economic downturn.

The lowest road toll in recent history was in 2013, where 253 people died in crashes.

It’s as far back as 1952 that a similar number was recorded (272 deaths), while in 1950 the total was only 232 deaths, potentially making this year the second-lowest road toll since 1951.

Director of road policing Superintendent Steven Greally told the Herald there are many variables that impact the road toll, but its decline can partly be attributed to an increase in road policing efforts over the past three years.

The 2025 road toll is on track for historic lows amid tougher policing, safer roads and a weak economy. Photo / Getty Images
The 2025 road toll is on track for historic lows amid tougher policing, safer roads and a weak economy. Photo / Getty Images

“Last year’s result of 292 was the best on record for New Zealand [per capita]. And we’re very proud of that.

“This year is shaping up a lot better than that. But, as we know, anything can happen.”

There are four key areas police have focused on since launching Operation Open Roads in December 2022: restraints such as seatbelt use, impairment, distractions and speed, all of which have been impacted by recent legislative changes, including new tools such as roadside drug testing coming into effect and increased penalties for risky behaviour.

“Ultimately, all we want to see is that drivers in this country, whether they’re a New Zealander or a visitor, are safe in their journeys,” Greally said.

“We do that predominantly with our partners ... there’s lots of aspects to the system. The infrastructure, speed limits, penalties, new vehicles, all that sort of stuff. That all comes into the mix.

“Road policing is just one aspect of that.”

AA agreed increased police presence and alcohol enforcement on roads has helped reduce road deaths. Newly released 2024 figures show alcohol-related road deaths fell from 92 in 2023 to 57 in 2024.

Though it acknowledged road toll factors are multifaceted, the motorists’ association also credited improvements to roads and infrastructure as a major safety influence.

“Some of our riskiest highways have been made safer over a sustained period of time through significant upgrades or being replaced with new roads,” a spokesperson said.

“AA Research Foundation data shows we are now having 20 fewer fatal crashes every year on average across our highest-risk highways compared to the early 2000s.”

In an article for car review website Dog and Lemon Guide, editor and road safety advocate Clive Matthew-Wilson suggested that while deaths on roads have been declining, this year’s low toll could partly come down to the economy.

“The overall road toll in New Zealand has been steadily falling since the late 1980s, but the annual highs and lows of the toll closely follow the ups and downs of the economy,” he said.

“Currently, unemployment among the young is very high, which is undoubtedly bad for them but probably good for the road toll.”

Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023.