Police say the road toll in 2009 was the second lowest since 1960. A provisional total of 383 people were killed on the roads last year.
But that's 18 more than 2008, when 365 died.
Superintendent Paula Rose says she's pleased the 2009 toll is under 400, which did not look likely for much of the year.
She says the reduced number of road deaths in recent months can be put down to several factors, including the introduction of a ban on hand-held cellphones while driving, and drug-driving legislation.
