level since records began
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• The number of road deaths recorded in Britain last year fell to the lowest level since records began, according to the latest figures from the Department of Transport.
Figures contained in the report, Road Accidents Great Britain 1998, show the number of road fatalities at 3,421 in 1998, compared with 3,599 in 1997. The report also claims that Britain has one of the lowest rates of road deaths among "other major industri alised nations" with only Sweden and Iceland recording fewer road fatalities per 100,000 population.
"These are extremely encouraging figures," says Transport Minister Lord Whitty. "The 5% drop in fatal and serious casualties last year shows that substantial progress is being made."
David Rogers of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents also welcomes the figures, but warns: "We must not rest on our laurels. There are still areas where action needs to be taken," The DoT will publish its strategy on how it intends to "reduce road casualties still further" later this year.
• The number of deaths due to drink-driving has fallen for the second successive year.