Fall in road accidents

NEWLY released figures that show the average rate of road accidents in Shetland has decreased over the last ten years.

Statistics issued by Transport Scotland reveal an overall downturn in reported accidents and casualties on Shetland’s roads from 2004-08 to 2010-14.

There was an average total of 28 road accidents per year in between 2010 and 2014, with 38 taking place between 2004 and 2008.

The average number of road casualties is also down over the same time period.

There was an average of two fatalities on the roads per year in Shetland between 2004-2008, whilst the figure for 2010-2014 was one.

Shetland road safety advisory panel chairman Steven Coutts, noted the downturn in accidents and casualties.

However, he stressed that Shetland’s road users need to remain vigilant when driving.

“The road accident figures for Shetland show a downward trend, and the numbers for Shetland are thankfully low,” Coutts said.

“Shetland Islands Council is committed to working with Police Scotland and the wider community to reduce the number of accidents on our roads.

“All road users have an important role in using the road in a safe and responsible manner and any preventable accident is one too many.”