THE number of people injured on East Renfrewshire’s roads dropped dramatically last year.

Latest figures from Transport Scotland show there were 76 casualties in 2019 from crashes and bumps.

That’s a drop of almost 18% on the 2018 figure of 92.

The total number of accidents is also the lowest in 10 years.

In 2009, there were 125 people injured on local roads, which means the number has dropped by almost 40% over the past decade.

East Renfrewshire Council leader Tony Buchanan said: “We welcome the figures released by Transport Scotland, not only because we have seen a drop in road accidents from the previous year, but also as it represents the lowest number since 2009.

“We work hard with our partners to ensure our roads are as safe as possible and these results are a testament to that.

“We won’t rest on our laurels, however, as one life lost is one too many. Road safety will remain a priority for us all.”

Transport Scotland also reported a significant drop in accident victims across Scotland, down from 8,424 to 7,638.

However, the percentage decrease in East Renfrewshire was almost twice the national figure.

The 2019 accident figures for the council area include one death, 19 with serious injuries and 56 with minor injuries.

Out of the 76 accident victims last year, 10 were children.

On the downside, there was a rise in the number of road users in East Renfrewshire suffering serious injury, up from 15 to 19.

Last year’s single road fatality was one more than the previous year.

However, no other Scottish council area recorded lower death figures.

Victims of accidents include drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists.

Commenting on the casualty figures, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said: “Police Scotland works tirelessly to fully investigate fatal road collisions and provide support to the families of the victims and all those affected.

“Road safety remains a priority and we will continue to work closely with our partners to improve driver and road user behaviour, in order to achieve the Scottish Government’s casualty reduction targets.

“We all have a responsibility to use the road network safely and I would urge all drivers and road users to think about their behaviour on the road, be considerate towards others and help us to make roads safe for everyone.”