According to the quarterly accident report published by the Regional Secretariat for Science, Technology and Infrastructure, the Azores registered a reduction of serious and minor causalities by October this year.

From January to October, 573 minor causalities were reported, representing a reduction compared to 2010 (611). With regard to serious causalities, 78 were reported this year, which also evidences a decrease in the same period of time (95).

However, Azorean roads registered 14 fatalities in the first ten months of 2011, two more than last year. It should be noted that earlier this year, five youngsters died in a single accident on São Miguel, a situation which decisively contributed to the increase of serious accidents.

The quality, safety and comfort of the regional road network, which has been extensively renewed throughout the archipelago - of the 1450 kilometres, 1100 have been subject to renewal works in the last decade - and the reinforcing of traffic signs have enable the Azores to have the lowest accident rate at a national level and one of the best in a European context.

Raising the awareness of drivers for the adoption of the appropriate behaviour when driving is one of the goals of a prevention campaign promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Science, Technology and Infrastructures during this holiday season. In this context, José Contente will participate in an awareness-raising action targeted at drivers on driving under the influence of alcohol to take place in Ponta Delgada tomorrow night. This action was organised in collaboration with PSP ( Public Security Police) - Regional Command.