Police are praising motorists for good driving over the Christmas holidays.
Thirteen lives have been lost so far during the official holiday road toll period, which runs from Christmas Eve until 6am on Wednesday.
The number of deaths during the holiday period is on a par with the 13 recorded a year ago. There were 25 deaths in 2009 and 18 deaths in 2008.
Superintendent Paula Rose says that, while the loss of any life is tragic, this holiday road toll is a good one compared to some other years.
She says drivers seem to have taken on board the messages about safe overtaking and having breaks to counter fatigue.
But Ms Rose says speed and alcohol were factors in more than half the fatal crashes.
