Government statistics show that the number of people killed on roads in Great Britain fell by 8% in 2012.
1,754 people were killed on British roads last year, while 23,039 suffered serious injuries in a road crash – down 0.4% from 2011.
Road safety charity Brake welcomed the news, but underlined that every death or life-changing injury on roads is preventable.
Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive, Brake, said: "Road crashes are violent, sudden events that tear apart families and whole communities; they are also a huge economic burden, and preventable through investment in education, engineering and enforcement. While progress towards fewer deaths and injuries is hugely welcome, it is important to acknowledge every person behind these statistics. For every one of the 1,754 people killed violently and needlessly in 2012, many more are left behind to grieve their loss, often suffering very serious trauma. So we must aim for zero; because no death or serious injury is acceptable."
Brake is also concerned that cyclist deaths and serious injuries continue to rise as do pedestrian serious injuries, meaning more of the most vulnerable road users are bearing the brunt of road danger.
118 people were killed and 3,222 people were seriously injured when cycling in 2012, a 10% increase in cyclist deaths and 4% increase in serious injuries. 420 people were killed and 5,559 people were seriously injured on foot in 2012, a 7% decrease in pedestrian deaths but a 2% increase in serious injuries.
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