Some 275 people have been killed on Irish roads so far this year, a drop of 63 compared to last year, according to figures revealed today.
Provisional Garda statistics showed 275 people were killed in road incidents so far this year compared to 338 last year. This is the lowest figure since official records began in 1961.
Over the last 10 years an average of 388 people died in road incidents every year.
In its New Year road safety message, the Garda said: "This [the fall] is indeed a very welcome and positive development. However, there is no room for complacency as provisional statistics also indicate that there have been 173,251 detections for speeding recorded against errant motorists for 2008.
“Inappropriate speed is the single greatest contributory factor in road deaths and serious injuries,” the statement added.
Gardaí said roads that saw the most speed related crashes over the last 10 years have been identified around the country, and they warned officers will continue to target these areas to improve safety.
The force says it is proceeding with plans for Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems in each division. The proposal, first mooted more than two years ago, would allow gardaí to record details of passing cars on a centralised computer system.
It would give the traffic corps up-to-date information on stolen vehicles and others which are not taxed or insured.
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