The number of people killed on New Zealand roads has fallen for a third consecutive year, with provisional figures showing 272 deaths in 2025, down from 292 in 2024.

Police said the ongoing decline is due in large part to increased enforcement under Operation Open Roads, which has seen a significant rise in breath testing and speed checks nationwide.

Director of Road Policing Superintendent Steve Greally said the reductions are encouraging but stresses the toll remains too high.

“Over the last three years we have seen constant reductions in the number of fatalities on our roads, while we have also nearly tripled the number of alcohol breath tests in that same period,” Greally said.

Police conducted nearly 4.5 million alcohol breath tests during the 2024/25 financial year and issued more than half a million speeding infringements.

“Breath testing and speed enforcement are two of our main focus areas, and we will continue to make no excuses for stopping and testing people,” Greally said.

Despite the downward trend, police say dangerous driving behaviours—particularly speeding—continue to be a major concern.

“We are still seeing far too many families have their lives changed upon receiving news that a loved one has been lost,” Greally said. “Unfortunately, we are still seeing evidence that people are making the wrong decisions when it comes to speed.”

Police said their goal is to see speeding infringement numbers drop, which would indicate improved driver behaviour and greater compliance with posted speed limits.

Drivers are being urged to plan journeys ahead of time to avoid rushing and to make safe decisions before getting behind the wheel.

In December, police began roadside drug driver testing in the Wellington region, with a national rollout expected between April and June 2026.

Greally said police will continue to take a firm approach to road safety, particularly during holiday periods.

“We make no apology for taking action against anybody who is putting their life, and the lives of others, at risk on our roads,” he said.

Police are reminding motorists to wear seatbelts, keep speeds down, avoid using cell phones while driving, and ensure they are not impaired by fatigue, drugs or alcohol.

“We want everybody to reach their destination safely,” Greally said. “Stay patient on the roads, and make sure you do everything you can to keep everybody safe.”