Police are confident the number of deaths on the road this year can be kept below 300.
Almost 170 people have died on the roads in 2011, about 70 fewer than at this time last year.
The lowest toll in the past 50 years was 366 in 2008 and the last time it was less than 300 was 1952.
Police say high petrol prices, law changes and safety improvements to both cars and roads have contributed to the lower toll this year.
Superintendent Paula Rose says if things continue the way they have, a road toll of less than 300 will be achieved.
