The death toll from road accidents this year is at its lowest for 16 years, according to figures released by the Garda.
Up to today, there had been 379 fatalities - 32 less than in 2001. Not since 1986, when 387 died, has the annual figure fallen below 400.
The introduction of the penalty points system two months ago - though currently only applying to speeding offences - is believed to have dramatically improved driving standards during the final weeks of the year, cutting the death toll by 33 compared to the same period in 2001.
Welcoming the trend, Mr Brennan said penalty points appeared to have been a big factor in changing driver behaviour.
But he also stressed that while the figures were "extremely encouraging", there was still "an unacceptable level of carnage on the roads."
He added: "A lot of families out there are grieving as a result of what happened in 2002."
The chief executive of the National Safety Council (NSC), Mr Pat Costello, also welcomed the figures.
"I would consider some congratulations due to all road-users, but particularly drivers. There has been a sea change in driving behaviour."
The death toll drop means that the Government has neared its target of achieving a 20 per cent cut in road fatalities over a five-year period from 1997.
Barring any major incidents today, the reduction achieved during that period will stand at 18 per cent.
But Mr Costello warned: "There is no room for complacency. The pressure must be kept up."
More than 60 driving offences are to be added to the penalty points system up to the final quarter of next year.
Meanwhile, motorists who are unable to produce a driving licence when requested by the Garda will face fines of more than €800 from tomorrow.
The new law obliges all motorists to carry their documents with them when driving or accompanying provisional licence holders.
The offence will not initially result in the imposition of any penalty points for drivers, but that position will change soon.
The Minister for Transport Mr Brennan said the introduction of the requirement to carry a licence would enhance road safety by instilling in drivers a more responsible attitude to driving generally.
The move has been criticised by motorists who maintain that the current driving licence is too large and potentially fragile, but the minister pledged that a new credit card-sized licence would be available by the middle of 2003.