Environment minister Sam Foster, said the numbers, which show a reduction of 24 on those killed in 2000, were welcome but that it was still a "sad reflection" on society that so many people were still dying on the province's roads.

"Road deaths and serious injuries are viewed by many as an inevitable consequence of modern living," he said.

"They are referred to as accidents. They should be regarded neither as inevitable nor as accidents."

Ian Hamill: Appealed to drivers to be responsible

Mr Foster added statistics had found that about 95% of all road collisions were caused by human error which suggested they could and must be prevented.

The head of Road Policing Development Branch, PSNI Superintendent Ian Hamill said the statistics failed to "convey the sheer misery and human tragedy inflicted upon the families of road victims and the community as a whole".

"We all have a responsibility to ensure that vulnerable groups such as the elderly and young children are not exposed to unnecessary risk," he said.

"Young drivers, in particular, are responsible for many of the casualties on our roads.

"Every opportunity will be taken to educate these young people on proper behaviour on the roads but also to impress upon them that they are not invincible - they are as vulnerable as any other user of the roads.

"However, our objective will only be achievable if each of us adopts a responsible attitude by ensuring we reduce speed, wear our seat belts and do not drink and drive."