The theme this year is Be a road safety hero, recognising everyone from emergency services to health professionals, transport engineers to school crossing patrols, road workers to community campaigners.

Last year 261 people were involved in a fatal or serious crash on Canterbury roads. Ahead of Road Safety Week 2026, our region’s Mayors came together to talk about the impact of that number, 261.

As part of the campaign video, Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon talks about thinking carefully about our decisions both before and once we’re behind the wheel.

“Think about whether you have that drink. Think about if you’re tired, that you might avoid driving or pull over.”

Mayor Gordon encouraged everyone to exercise heroism when it comes to road safety and to keep each other accountable.

“Let’s all work together so we can get that road toll down, and so that it’s not 261, but ideally it would be nought.”

Canterbury Road Safety Coordinators’ spokesperson Lucy Mehrtens says by coming together as a Canterbury road safety collective with New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Hato Hone St John, and other front line first responders, we’re telling the community how many people are impacted by serious crashes.

“We had a focus on including serious injury crashes in our theme for Road Safety week this year, as they often impact more than just the person that is injured. The ripple effect of mobility, mental health, and employment can have a big impact on financial stability and family well-being in someone’s life," says Lucy.

Road Safety Week is 4 to 10 May and shines a light on both fatalities and serious injuries, reinforcing the message that every crash has a ripple effect across families and communities.

*Data sourced from Crash Analysis System Waka Kotahi NZTA.

*Serious injury definition: Injury (fracture, concussion, severe cuts or other injury) requiring medical treatment or removal to and retention in hospital.