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Work is getting underway to make State Highway 23 — the road to Raglan — safer for everyone who uses it, Associate Transport Minister David Bennett says.

Rumble strips and two flexible roadside barriers will be installed on the 21km section of the highway between Waitetuna and Raglan, ahead of major work getting underway on other parts of the route early next year.

There were 162 crashes on this section of the road between 2005 and 2015. Two people died and 23 were seriously injured.

Associate Transport Minister David Bennett is encouraging all motorists to stay safe when travelling over Easter.

“Many of us are travelling to be with friends and family this long weekend. With the increased traffic and Cyclone Cook hitting, everyone needs to take all the steps to stay safe,” Mr Bennett says.

“Four people lost their lives on our roads over Easter last year, and their families are facing another holiday without their loved ones.

Annual research released today has highlighted the hidden cost we pay for road crashes, says Associate Transport Minister David Bennett.

The Ministry of Transport’s annual Social Cost of Road Crashes and Injuries report seeks to understand the social and economic cost of road crashes to New Zealand, and the estimated total social cost of fatal and injury crashes rose from $3.53 billion in 2014 to $3.79 billion in 2015.

Road works are underway right now to make the main trunk line to Tauranga from Auckland safer for motorists, Associate Transport Minister David Bennett says.

The work includes the instalment of flexible safety barriers in high risk areas as well as rumble strips and the widening of property entrances along State Highway 27, from Tatuanui to north of Matamata.

“The Government is committed to making our roads safer and has a wide ranging programme to achieve that,” Mr Bennett says.

The provisional road toll for 2016 is 326, Associate Transport Minister David Bennett says.

“The road toll is not just a number — every figure represents a life needlessly lost and family, friends and communities grieving. Our thoughts are with those that have lost loved ones on our roads over the past year” Mr Bennett says.

Associate Transport Minister David Bennett is encouraging road users to do the right thing and travel safely over the summer holidays.

"This is a special time of the year to celebrate with friends and family so we want to ensure everyone travelling on our roads gets to their destination safely,” Mr Bennett says.

“Drivers can help keep themselves, their passengers, and other road users safe by following the rules and applying common sense.”