New Zealand's road toll is nearing the record heights reached in 2017, sitting at 324, just one behind 325 at the same time last year.
It's a frustrating situation for national road policing manager Superintendent Steve Greally, who want's drivers to be more careful on the road, NZME reports.
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"A driver decides not to sleep and then drive or a driver decides to drink and drive or to speed or to not put their seatbelt on," he said.
"All those things are basic, basic things that there is no wonder that these things occur because of the risk takers that don't see the risk, or act despite the risk."
Associate transport minister Julie Anne Genter is responsible for road safety, with Green MP James Shaw taking over for her while she is on parental leave.
She told Newshub in January it's shocking to see the growing number of people killed on New Zealand roads.
"We know every one of these deaths has left a huge hole in the lives of family and friends."
She said safety levels on "many rural roads and even urban streets simply isn't good enough".
"People make mistakes, but on too many of our roads a momentary distraction or taking a corner too fast can be fatal."
Transport Minister Phil Twyford announced in August the Government would put $4.3 billion into preventing and reducing the severity of accidents.
The investment will focus on dangerous intersections, median barriers in high-risk areas, and increased road policing over the next three years.
Newshub.
