New figures show the number of fatal crashes related to medical events increased substantially last year.
Data obtained from the New Zealand Transport Agency through the Official Information Act shows the number of deaths from fatal road crashes caused by a medical event in 2025 was 39.
That's the highest number in the past ten years, and a substantial leap on the lowest number of 19 in 2018.
But the yearly numbers have fluctuated over the decade, with the second highest being 33 related deaths in 2022.
NZTA noted most crashes have several contributing factors. It also acknowledged limitations with the data in the OIA request. From 2023, the data is reliable but NZTA said prior to this, there is a possibility some cases of fatal crashes caused by medical events may have been excluded.
Ageing population
In response to the data, an AA road safety spokesperson said they wouldn’t draw a conclusion from a single year.
“We’d want to see whether the increase is sustained over several years before concluding that there has been a significant change," they said.
“However, with an ageing population and more people living longer with chronic health conditions, there is more possibility of a medical event like a stroke-heart attack, or seizure leading to a crash.
“It's a reminder of the importance of drivers monitoring their health, taking medications if prescribed them and seeking medical advice early if people notice anything concerning.
“A loss of consciousness or control behind the wheel can be tragic.”
Last month, 1News reported the number of licensed drivers aged 75 and over jumped 53% during the past decade.
This was well above the 17% growth in the total licensed driving population. In the oldest age group, as of April this year, 11,806 people aged 90 held a current driver's licence, up 40% from 10 years ago.
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