ROAD deaths across the Durham Constabulary area reached a record low last year, according to figures revealed by the force this week.

Accident investigators said people's willingness to heed road safety measures and a year-round crackdown on speeding drivers had played a major part in cutting the death toll.

A total of 24 people died in 21 accidents between January and December 2000, compared to 33 deaths in 1999.

The death toll included nine drivers, five passengers, four motorcyclists and six pedestrians.

In 1990 the number of fatalities on the roads stood at 68, but this figure fell throughout the Nineties.

Insp Gordon Balderstone, head of the force's traffic management department, said: "We have been targeting speeders and drink-drivers throughout the year because there is absolutely no doubting these two factors play a major part in road deaths.

"As well as our mobile speed camera, which operated in problem areas across County Durham and Darlington, we have 14 police cars and motor cycles fitted with video cameras and more officers are trained to operate hand-held speed detection devices and other specialist equipment."

Full investigations follow every fatal accident, but police specialists and officials from Durham County and Darlington Borough council's also meet within days to see what improvements can be made to increase road safety.

Insp Balderstone added: "By looking together at the scene of a fatal accident it is possible, on occasions, to come up with ideas for improved highway safety that might help prevent any repeat in the future.

"Safer vehicle design, including airbags, side-impact bars and crumple zones, has more than proved its worth in reducing death and serious injury.

"But above all it's the public's willingness to listen to all the safety messages put out by the emergency services and the highway authorities. This is, perhaps, the single most important factor and that is very heartening.

"Luck too plays its part and while we believe last year's figures are following a downward trend, there is certainly no room for complacency on our part, or indeed the public.