It means two fewer people died last year, than in the previous two years.

The figures were released by the Department of the Environment on Tuesday.

NIO Minister Angela Smith said a fall in the number of fatalities was encouraging. However, she appealed to road users to act safely and responsibly.

"We will only see significant reductions in the number of deaths when we all, whether as drivers, riders, passengers or pedestrians, take personal responsibility for our own safety and the safety of others," she said.

It is still a terrible human tragedy which has not be addressed adequately by government or society John Dallat SDLP

"As we enter a New Year, I appeal to all road users to behave safely and responsibly on the road.

"We know that speeding kills, drinking and driving kills, not wearing a seatbelt kills and not paying attention kills."

Superintendent Ian Hamill of the PSNI said one of the toughest jobs for a police officer was to knock on a door and break the news of a death.

"Making Northern Ireland's roads safer remains a policing priority for 2005. We will continue to work with the DOE and other agencies to encourage more responsible behaviour on the roads," he said.

"But make no mistake about it. We are committed to a programme of robust enforcement in relation to drink/drugs driving, speeding, seatbelt wearing and general inattention."

East Derry SDLP MLA John Dallat said a breakdown of the figures showed speeding, driving under the influence of drink or drugs, and careless driving were still among the principal causes of road deaths.

'Appalling statistics'

"While it represents less than half of those who lost their lives on the roads 30 years ago, it is still a terrible human tragedy which has not be addressed adequately by government or society," he said.

"Responsibility for road safety is still spread over several government departments, with no cohesion and no overarching policies as to how this appalling and senseless loss of life can be tackled successfully.