This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Fall in number of road casualties
24/11/2006
The number of deaths and injuries on Scotland's roads in 2005 were at their lowest level for more than fifty years, according to the latest statistics.
However, Transport Minister Tavish Scott said it has been all too evident in recent months that road safety messages, particularly among young drivers, still need to be heard.
Among the main findings of the statistics are:
- 286 deaths on Scotland's roads in 2005 - 7 per cent fewer than in 2004, and the lowest figure for more than 50 years
- between 1995 and 2005, the number of road deaths fell by 30 per cent, from 409 to 286
- 2,652 people reported as seriously injured in 2005 - 4 per cent fewer than in 2004, and the lowest number since the current series began in 1950
- between 1995 and 2005, killed and seriously injured casualties (combined) fell by 45 per cent, from 5,339 to 2,938
- between 1995 and 2005, the total number of reported casualties fell by 20 per cent, from 22,194 to 17,821
The Minister said:
"This devolved government is committed to making Scotland's roads safer for all who use them.
"While today's statistics are encouraging, we can not and will not be complacent. As the police, A&E doctors, road safety experts, and the families of those who have tragically died in road accidents will tell you, we all need to do more.
"It has been all too evident in recent months that road safety messages, particularly among young drivers, still need to be heard. We need to educate people, young and old, to the dangers of driving, and the potential for tragedy every time they get into a vehicle.
"The question we have got to ask ourselves is can we do more to help our young drivers?
"I am a great admirer of the Pass Plus training system. This system gives new drivers advanced training in safe driving, covering potential dangers such as driving in town, driving in all weathers, driving at night, and driving on rural roads, dual carriageways and motorways. We need to encourage as many new drivers as possible to enrol in this training.
"Therefore we will work with Scotland's local authorities to see if there is anything more we can do to increase uptake. While some local authorities have discount schemes in place, I am keen to see if there is anything more we can do to encourage young drivers to enrol in this life saving training."
The Executive provides annual funding of around £1.5 million to Road Safety Scotland to develop and coordinate Scotland-wide road safety education and publicity campaigns.
Road Safety Scotland (RSS) works closely with local authorities, police road safety units and other partners to ensure a joined-up approach to road safety in Scotland.
The Executive is providing additional resources to local authorities, totalling nearly £50 million between 2003 and 2008, for the introduction of 20 mph speed limits around schools and related safety measures. By the end of June 2006, 20 mph limits were in place at two-thirds of schools.