Scottish road deaths at record low

The number of people killed on Scotland's roads has dropped to its lowest level since records began more than 60 years ago.

Last year, 208 people were killed in road accidents, the smallest figure since 1950 and down from a peak of 815 in 1970.

The total number of casualties, including those with slight injuries, is estimated at 13,324 - the lowest number since 1938 and continuing a downward trend since 1998.

Chief Constable Kevin Smith, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, said: "We are proud of what we have achieved but we are not complacent.

"Across Scotland, thousands of people are caught every year not wearing a seatbelt and the results from our summer campaign show that there are still people willing to risk their lives, and the lives of others, by driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs."

He said tougher legislation on seatbelt offences and a reduction in the drink-drive limit would help to further reduce the number of deaths and injuries.

The provisional figures for 2010, released by the Scottish Government, also showed reductions in the number of casualties among children, motorcyclists, pedestrians and pedal cyclists.

However, there were 538 bus and coach casualties last year, 14 per cent higher than in 2009.

Transport minister Keith Brown welcomed the overall drop and said further work will address the level of casualties in the 16-22 age group, which accounted for 19 per cent of the total.

He said: "We are working closely with our strategic partners to take forward a range of recommendations to address the disproportionately high rate of casualties amongst this age group. This will be a key priority for us in the coming months.

"My vision is for there to be no road deaths and we will continue to work towards that ultimate goal in tandem with the road safety community in Scotland."

The figures showed Scotland exceeded three British targets to reduce casualties.

Kathleen Braidwood, road safety officer at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Scotland, said: "It is a significant achievement for Scotland to have reduced road casualties further than the targets set in 2000.

"However, it is always difficult to truly celebrate success like this when so many families are still enduring the devastation of loved ones being killed or seriously injured on our roads."