Truck drivers are increasingly becoming the target of road rage and abuse, according to new data from the 2025 National Road Freight Survey.

The survey, conducted across 128 freight firms and involving 194 industry participants, found that half of those who listed public perception as a top issue said their drivers regularly faced abuse from members of the public while on the job.

The findings align with earlier research from AA Insurance, which found nearly half of New Zealanders believed road rage had worsened over the past year.

Transporting New Zealand Policy and Advocacy head Billy Clemens said while most Kiwis held a positive view of truck drivers, a small but dangerous group of motorists were putting them at risk.

“Research NZ surveyed 1005 members of the public and found more than seven times as many people had a positive perception of road freight drivers compared to those taking a negative view, 52 per cent to 7 per cent,” he said.

“Transporting New Zealand’s concerns about road rage and abuse are focussed on a very small proportion of road users.

“What worries us and our road freight members are truck drivers being harassed and abused while going about their work. Truck driving is challenging enough without drivers having to ignore insults and abuse, de-escalate disputes, and refer threatening behaviour onto Police.”

Clemens said that while trucks could test people’s patience on the road, he encouraged all motorists to remain calm and report poor driving by calling *555.

“Trucks are limited to a maximum of 90 kilometres an hour, need more time to speed up and slow down, and must take care on narrow roads and corners,” he said.

“Drivers also need to pull over to take mandatory rest breaks. These factors can cause frustration, but we urge people to be considerate.”

In response, Transporting New Zealand is offering drivers practical advice on how to deal with abuse, including a de-escalation session at its South Island Road Freight Seminar in Christchurch on 28 June. The session will be presented by Protect Self Defence, and resources will be made publicly available with support from the E. J. Brenan Memorial Trust.

The organisation is also pushing for infrastructure improvements such as more passing lanes, wider corners, and better rest areas to help reduce tension between road users.

“With a combination of education, roading improvements, and considerate behaviour, we can make the roads safer for everyone,” Clemens said.

About Transporting New Zealand

Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight industry. Its members operate urban, rural and inter-regional freight services across the country. Road transport moves 92.8 percent of all freight by tonnage in New Zealand, employing over 34,000 people across more than 4,700 businesses.