THE NUMBER of fatal road accidents on Tayside roads fell last year as the area’s roads showed encouraging signs of safety, according to new Scottish Executive figures.

The Key 2005 Road Accident Statistics published yesterday revealed 29 people were killed last year and overall there were 1305 casualties, compared to 35 fatalities and 1461 casualties in 2004.

The report, which is based on provisional findings for last year, highlights Scotland’s best road results for more than 50 years with a total of 286 people killed in road accidents in Scotland last year, a 7% decrease on the previous year’s figure of 307.

The number of deaths and serious injuries as a result of a car accident was 2880, 6% lower than in 2004.

Transport Minister Tavish Scott said he welcomed the record results, but warned against complacency.

He said, “This devolved government is committed to making Scotland’s roads safer for all who use them.

“A 7% fall in the number of deaths, a 6% fall in serious injuries and a 3% fall in the number of slight injuries compared to 2004, are very welcome.

“These are the lowest figures for more than 50 years.

“This demonstrates that our promotion of safe driving through effective education, safety improvements on our roads and tougher enforcement is beginning to pay off.”

Accidents in non built-up areas accounted for over two thirds of all those killed in Scotland, with the report suggesting average speeds being higher on such roads as a reason for this.

There was a provisional total of 360 children killed or seriously injured last year, 57% below the 1994-98 average of 842, so the Executive has met the target of a 50% reduction by 2010.

Mr Scott continued, “We must not be complacent as there are still areas where more needs to be done.

“Drink driving remains a very serious problem.

“It is estimated that every year 50 people die on the roads and 240 are seriously injured as a direct result of drink driving.

“That means that one in seven road deaths are caused by people drinking and driving.

“As our current TV ad campaign makes clear there are many consequences when you drink and drive. The message is clear—Don’t Risk It!”

Despite making giant strides this year the Scottish Executive still has work to do with outstanding targets for 2010 of a 40% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents and a 10% reduction in the slight casualty rate.