A recent analysis by dogandlemon.com suggests that New Zealand's low road toll in 2024 can be largely attributed to the economic recession.

According to Clive Matthew-Wilson, editor of the website and a road safety campaigner, recessions tend to lead to lower road tolls globally.

"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 economy," he explains.

Matthew-Wilson points to historical data, noting that New Zealand's worst road toll was in 1973, with 843 fatalities.

Following the 1973 fuel crisis, the road toll dropped significantly.

Similarly, after the 1987 global sharemarket crash, the road toll decreased by 70.

Several factors have contributed to the long-term decline in New Zealand's road toll, including the importation of safer used Japanese cars, highway improvements, and stricter enforcement of speed, drink-driving, and seatbelt laws.

However, Matthew-Wilson emphasises that poverty and socioeconomic factors also play a significant role in road safety.

"Poor people die more often on the roads than rich people," he notes.

Motorcyclists are disproportionately represented in fatal crashes, accounting for 18% of fatalities and 23% of serious injuries between 2019 and 2023.

Trucks also pose a significant risk, making up nearly 20% of the road toll.

Matthew-Wilson argues that the key to lowering the road toll lies in improving roads, vehicles, and enforcement strategies.

He advocates for measures such as moving freight from trucks to rail, making motorbike licenses harder to obtain, and targeting high-risk groups.

Ultimately, Matthew-Wilson believes that a multifaceted approach is necessary to address the complex issue of road safety.

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