Mean injuries per 100,000 population was 523.8; mean deaths per 100,000 population was 21.4.
1990-99: mean injuries per 10,000 vehicles was 65.7; mean deaths per 10,000 vehicles was 2.5.
Mean injuries per 100,000 population was 422.1; mean deaths per 100,000 population was 16.3.
2000-09: mean injuries per 10,000 vehicles was 47.9; mean deaths per 10,000 vehicles was 1.4.
Mean injuries per 100,000 population was 345.3; mean deaths per 100,000 population was 10.3.
2010-14: mean injuries per 10,000 vehicles was 37.6; mean deaths per 10,000 vehicles was 0.94.
Mean injuries per 100,000 population was 278.4; mean deaths per 100,000 population was 6.82.
(Source: Ministry of Transport website).
In 1973, there were 843 road deaths with 1.438 million vehicles; in 2013, there were 253 deaths with 3.3 million vehicles - the lowest toll since 1950 when there were 402,000 vehicles. So, at a time when there is intense media hand-wringing over the "horrific" number of road deaths and the fact that road deaths have exceeded 300 for 2015, perhaps it would be wise to view these figures in context and give praise to the motorists. Despite a huge increase in both population and number of motor vehicles - and without even mentioning the probable fact that people now travel far greater distances than in the 1980s - the mean deaths per year, corrected for both population and vehicle numbers, has dropped to less than one-third what it was 30 years ago.
To me, it seems that motorists are doing remarkably well to have reduced the road "carnage" to what it is at present. Some of the credit must go to the design of the roads and the safety features built into cars, but remember also that foreign drivers, many with minimal knowledge or experience on New Zealand roads, are present in increasing numbers - plus cars are far more powerful and capable of much faster speeds now than in earlier times.
They are also relatively cheaper and, therefore, more easily afforded by young, inexperienced drivers. Effective teachers and parents know that the two motivators are sticks and carrots. For a long time (forever?) the police and formerly MOT have used the stick by issuing fines, suspending licences and lowering their tolerance of even minor speeding offences on open, empty roads. They have also used much propaganda in creating the false image that "speed kills" when, in fact, that is not true - the inappropriate use of speed is what is dangerous. They have spent a huge amount of effort focusing on speed because it is so easy to measure and so lucrative to prosecute.
Is it not time that they recognised that the road toll has decreased remarkably over the period of 1980 to the present? Isn't it time motorists were given some credit for this amazing decrease in the rates of road injuries and fatalities?
As a commercial tour coach driver, I see my share of idiotic behaviour on the roads. A great many people feel the need to pull out in front of a 20-tonne bus travelling at 90km/h on the highway. I also see the large number of distracted motorists using cellphones or trying to cope with children while driving. I also see the idiotic road signs, particularly the one telling motorists to keep their eyes on the road. So, remind me again - how do they do that while being distracted by reading the sign?
It is also noticeable, as more stringent speed limits are instigated, drivers spend a great deal more time watching their speedometers than they used to, with a consequent decrease in their attention to the road and surrounding traffic. This is particularly noticeable in the relatively new 40km/h areas near schools, an area where close attention to the road, not the speed, should be encouraged. So perhaps it's time to give responsible motorists credit? Perhaps the system of issuing bonus gifts to motorists who are driving well would be more effective than using more stringent measures against all motorists? No parent or teacher gains the respect of their children by punishing everyone in the class or family for the misdemeanours of a few.
