Road deaths per capita have been consistently higher in the Republic over the past decade compared with the North.
In 1998, there were 12.4 deaths per 100,000 population in the South compared to 9.5 per 100,000 in Northern Ireland.
The gap widened in 1999 - with 141 deaths in the North compared to 413 in the South - but narrowed again last year. A total of 171 people died on roads in the North in 2000. This translates as 10.1 deaths per 100,000 population. The corresponding figure for the Republic was 11.2 road deaths per 100,000.
The figures appear more worrying when it is considered that car ownership per capita in the North is higher than in the Republic. Between 1990 and 1998, there were 1.4 million new vehicle registrations in the Republic and more than 845,000 in the North.
The divergence in the respective death rates draws attention to differences in road safety policies North and South. For example, the North operates an "R" plate system for learners under which motorists are restricted to driving at 45 m.p.h. for the first year after passing the test.
Moreover, all unqualified drivers in the North must be accompanied by an instructor, whereas in the South unqualified drivers can drive unaccompanied after a year on a provisional licence.
A penalty points system for motorists has also been in operation in the North for a number of years. The Government has promised to introduce a similar system in the Republic. However, legislation on the issue, which was due to have been presented to the Dail last year, has been delayed.
A spokesman for the Department of Environment and Local Government said yesterday it was working to have the legislation published as soon as possible.
The North-South study also shows new car registrations are increasing at a higher rate in the Republic. Between 1990 and 1998, they increased by two-thirds south of the Border. In the same period, they increased by less than one-fifth in the North.
In both parts of Ireland, driving test pass rates were higher for men than for women.
In 1988, 59 per cent of male candidates in the Republic passed their test compared to 54 per cent of females.
The corresponding figures for Northern Ireland were 65 per cent of males and 56 per cent of females.
