In 2002, 304 people died in road accidents, a 12% drop on the previous year.

The latest figures also show a drop in the number of fatal accidents involving children.

Fourteen died in road accidents last year, compared to 20 in 2001.

On average six people die and more than 360 are injured each week on Scotland's roads.

The figures are contained in the Statistical Bulletin Key 2002 Road Accident Statistics published by the Scottish Executive.

Safety pledge

Transport Minister Nicol Stephen welcomed the decline and outlined the executive's pledges to make Scotland's roads safer.

Mr Stephen said: "We are committed to cutting road deaths and serious injuries by 40% by 2010, compared with the average for 1994-98.

"An average of 6 people died and 364 were injured each week on Scotland's roads last year.

"That means there is still a lot more to be done."

The minister vowed to invest more money in road safety on the trunk road network and to work closely with schools to introduce more 20mph speed limits.