A new safety test has revealed that people are twice as likely to die in a crash if they're travelling in a car that was built before 2000.
It was demonstrated by a car-to-car crash test conducted by independent vehicle safety advocate ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Programme).
NZTA data shows that cars built before 2000, that's 40 percent of New Zealand's cars and SUVS, are involved in 57 percent of fatalities.
But cars built between 2010 and 2015, that's 17 percent of New Zealand vehicles, represent 10 percent of fatalities.
The average age of cars in New Zealand is over 14 years.
AA general manager Stella Stocks says older vehicles are significantly over-represented in crashes that resulted in death, and Kiwis need to have newer cars.
"Vehicle manufacturers are playing their part by building better, safer cars packed full of crash prevention technology, but for this to have more impact on our road toll the average age of the fleet must reduce significantly," Ms Stocks says.
The AA is now advising car buyers to avoid buying any vehicle built in the 20th Century.
In the ANCAP test this week a 1998 Toyota Corolla and its 2015-built counterpart (which has a 5 star ANCAP safety rating) crashed in a simulated off-set head-on.
The 1998 Corolla was built before the introduction of the current frontal impact rule that sets minimum safety standards for cars sold in New Zealand. It's also not equipped with life-saving airbags.
Ms Stocks says the driver of the older vehicle would likely have been killed or very seriously injured.
NZTA road safety director Harry Wilson says all models of the Corolla since 2011 have earned 5 stars in ANCAP safety ratings.
"You don't have to buy brand new to be safe in a car," Mr Wilson says.
"With the technology available today, even the more affordable technology available a decade ago, there's no way I'd consider putting friends or family in a car that didn't meet these basic standards."
Newshub.
