Road Safety Week 2026: Northland paramedic’s road safety warning to young drivers and parents

Hato Hone St John critical care paramedic Mark Going. Photo / Steve Macmillan

To mark Road Safety Week today, critical care paramedic Mark Going stresses that road safety is a shared responsibility, not just the driver’s.

Like many long-time first responders, Mark Going has lost count of the road crashes he has attended.

Thirty-eight years into his Hato Hone St John career, the Whangārei-based paramedic says there are far too many to count.

“It seems to be pretty much a weekly occurrence for me to respond to road crashes – some minor and others fatal,” he said.

Going and his ambulance service colleagues too often see first-hand the results of crashes, the effect on the occupants and the grief left with family and friends.

“The worst types of crashes for me are when the victims, through no fault of their own, suffer serious injuries and death because of the poor decisions of others.

“Quite often I leave the scene of a serious crash, thinking what could have been, how a crash could have been so easily avoided, and also, as a result of that crash, how someone’s life will never be the same.”

Going said everyone is responsible for safer roads.

“It is just not the responsibility of the driver. As a passenger or friend, we need to promote safe driving. That’s around how fast we go, driving to the conditions, not being distracted. If tired, pull over and rest, and never driving impaired by drugs and alcohol.”

Going believed if everyone concentrated on their family and friends to influence and promote safe driving, it would go a long way to reducing harm.

“We all want our families and friends to get home safe, so if we see an issue, we need to speak up.”

Going urged young drivers to take their time, drive to their abilities and not be negatively influenced by peers.

“For parents, my message is to make sure everyone is securely fastened before driving off. Set a good example to your children around how you drive, so they learn good habits.”

Going is adamant that when we are in the driver’s seat, we need to fully concentrate on what we are doing.

“The decisions we make behind the wheel, or the influence we have as a passenger or friend, can make an enormous difference in outcomes on the road. We all need to play our part and take responsibility in reducing road crashes.

“There are many factors that cause deaths on our roads and Northland is not alone in this, so we all need to be part of the solution.”

Going cites four messages that drivers should always have top of mind:

• If you feel tired, pull over and have a rest or get someone else to drive. Plan your trip so you can have some breaks
• If you are driving, put your phone on silent and check it when you stop, so you don’t get distracted
• Drive at a speed that reflects the conditions, plan to leave a little earlier so you don’t have to rush
• If you are planning on drinking alcohol, get a sober mate to drive, organise alternative transport or stay the night.

Northland Road Safety Week runs until Sunday. The annual Road Safety Hero run/walk of the Hātea Loop, Whangārei, takes place at 1pm on Friday, when the 24 lives lost in Northland road crashes in 2025 will be acknowledged.

To register for the 2026 Road Safety Heroes walk/run, fill out this form.