Motorcycle deaths still feature prominently in the road toll.
The number of road deaths recorded as of Tuesday stood at 216 - 20 fewer than at the same time last year.
But 29 motorcyclists have died, one more than at this time in 2009.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce says the number of motorbike riders dying is a real worry because it is the one casualty toll that has continued to grow.
Motorbike fatalities were 27 in 2003, but gradually rose to about 50 a year in both 2008 and 2009.
The Government says motorcycle numbers increased by 60%, from 60,000 to 97,000 in the past decade.
