Booze, drugs a factor in 30 per cent of crashes

Statistics show alcohol or drugs were a factor in 30 per cent of all fatal crashes in 2007.

The New Zealand Transport Agency has released its annual figures on road crashes.

There were 376 fatal crashes in 2007, up 26 on the previous year. The road toll went up as well, with 422 deaths compared to 393 the year before.

Drivers going too fast for the conditions proved to be a major factor in road deaths, contributing to more than 30 per cent of fatal crashes.

- NEWSTALK ZB