Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said a lot has been done to improve the safety of the Republic's roads and he promised more work was under way.
In a Christmas road safety message which dwelt heavily on personal responsibility, Mr Ahern thanked those who "improved their own behaviour as a road user".
Mr Ahern said new legislation on issues such as mandatory alcohol testing, penalty points, extra enforcement and high-profile advertising were some of the hallmarks of the important measures taken during 2006.
"A lot of good work has been done, and there is a lot more under way to make our roads safer," he said.
Minister for Transport Martin Cullen also said the "responsibility rests not only just with drivers. Those of us who try to encourage the driver to have 'just one drink' are behaving in an equally reckless and immature manner as the driver who insists on drinking and driving."
The Minister called on all road users, whether walking, cycling or driving, to obey the law and take extra care.
"As we approach Christmas weekend, many people will be travelling to and from cities and towns around the country to see friends and family. I would ask all road users to wear a seat belt, to keep within the speed limit, keep a check on tyres and not to drink and drive."
The Minister spoke of a "change in attitude" towards drink driving "that is being realised since the introduction of mandatory breath testing.
"While it is important not to base trends on the first four months . . . the reduction in the number of road deaths is a positive development. If it continues and the level of enforcement is maintained, we will see improved driver behaviour on our roads and fewer people will be killed.
"The onus is on all of us, however - Government, gardaí, drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, families and friends, to make a concerted effort to help make our roads safer."
