Māori are over-represented in death and serious injuries as a result of road crashes and a new report from the Transport Agency suggests the rate is increasing.
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
From 2013 to 2017 the average rate of death or serious injury 100,000 population for all Māori men was 87 - much higher than the average rate of 61.5 for all men.
For all Māori women the rate was 40.5 which was much higher than the average rate of 29 for all women.
The report, He Pūrongo Whakahaumaru Hurahi Mō Ngā Iwi Māori, found tamariki Māori were more likely to be killed or seriously injured in crashes than non Māori children and that inappropriate child restraints were a factor in this.
It also found Māori drivers who were killed or seriously injured in a crash had higher confirmed rates of alcohol above the legal limit compared to non-Māori drivers.
Waka Kotahi Māori senior manager Nicholas Manukau said the report was phase one of a body of work and was part of the Road to Zero strategy.
"A key action within Road to Zero is to better understand and improve road safety outcomes for Māori."
"Sadly, the research completed for the first phase of He Pūrongo confirms that Māori are over-represented in serious road crashes, experiencing higher rates of death and serious injuries than the general population."
"Particular areas of concern highlighted by the report include the over-representation in fatal and serious injury crashes of young Māori men, under-licensed driving, non-use of seatbelts and child restraints, and driving while impaired."
The Agency said the report provided a foundation to work toward better road safety outcomes for Māori.
