Essex drivers are using the roads more safely, as road deaths in the county this year were down compared to 2001.

This year, 92 people were killed on Essex roads, with 21 of those being motorcyclists, but last year 123 people died in road accidents, 31 of those being motorcyclists.

There were actually 133 road traffic accidents in 2001, which went down to 85 this year, a reduction of 48.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "The county road figures for 2002 are certainly encouraging, demonstrating that our continued road safety messages are finally hitting home with motorists.

"The actual number of people killed in crashes has been reduced considerably but too many people were again unnecessarily killed either as a result of dangerous or unlawful driving. Too many families lives have been ruined."

Published Thursday, January 2, 2003

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