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Nine News: Teresa Mannion reports that since the introduction of mandatory breath testing the number of road deaths has decreased by 23%
The number of people being killed on Irish roads has dropped by almost a quarter since mandatory breath testing was introduced last July.
Figures released by the Road Safety Authority show that there were 80 fewer deaths in the 11-month period since it was introduced.
274 people died on roads in Ireland in the last 11 months, while 354 lost their lives in the previous 11 months.
In a statement, Noel Brett, CEO of the Road Safety Authority, said it was clear that the mandatory testing, together with awareness campaigns and a greater Garda presence, had 'contributed significantly' to the number of lives saved.
However, Brian Farrell of the National Safety Council said there was no room for complacency.
