Motorists are being reminded not to drink and drive as New Year celebrations get into full swing this evening.

Gardai are warning that their traditional festive crackdown will continue tonight, with checkpoints on roads across the country.

Figures released by the Gardai yesterday show that road fatalities were down almost one fifth this year compared to 2007.

The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, was among those making a personal plea for motorists to act responsibly over the festive period.