Road crashes involving overseas license holders are traumatic for everyone involved and can evoke a strong community response.  

Over 2015 to 2019, there were an average of 310 fatal road crashes per year in New Zealand, with an average of 21 of these involving an overseas driver. This involvement did not mean the overseas drivers were at fault.     

Since 2014, TIA has participated in the Visiting Drivers project, led by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) that delivered a range of actions (including education through to road infrastructure improvements) aimed at keeping overseas drivers and their host communities safe.  

TIA established and oversees the DriveSafe website, a resource for international drivers planning New Zealand driving holidays, and with the Rental Vehicle Association, supports implementation of the Rental Operators Code of practice for Visiting Drivers.