The nationwide road-death toll during the New Year's period between Dec. 29 and Friday was the lowest in more than 30 years, according to the National Police Agency.

Some 117 people died during the six-day period, down 24 from the same period last year and the lowest recorded since 1970-1971, it said Monday.

Road fatalities during the first three days of the new year came to 38, 16 fewer than the previous year. Thirteen people were killed on New Year's Day, 18 on Thursday and seven on Friday, the police said.

During the last three days of 2002, 79 people died in traffic accidents, eight fewer than in the last three days of 2001.