HEREFORDSHIRE was a safer place to drive last year, with a substantial reduction in serious and fatal accidents.

The number of accidents which resulted in death or serious injury dropped significantly last year compared with 2007.

Figures from Herefordshire Council also show reductions in other important categories that measure the safety of the county’s roads.

The Herefordshire Road Casualty Summary shows: n A 30 per cent reduction in those killed or seriously hurt.

n A 45 per cent reduction in children killed or seriously injured.

n An 11 per cent reduction in slight casualties.

The total number of casualties was also down from 846 in 2007 to 725 in 2008 – the year the Hereford Times launched its own road safety campaign.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, the cabinet member for highways and transportation, acknowledged the importance of the Hereford Times’ Safer Driving Campaign and its role in highlighting what drivers can do to boost their motoring skills.

He also stressed the responsibility of motorists to drive safely and said speed limits were only imposed in areas where they were needed.

Simon Hobbs, senior accident investigation engineer at the council, welcomed the figures but said there was more work to be done.

“While 2008 has been a particularly successful year in terms of casualty reduction, it is important that we do not take this for granted, as experience has shown this can all change very quickly,” he said.

“There is still much work to be done and improvements to be made in how we tackle this area overall.”

Initiatives run by the council include refreshers for older drivers, the pass plus scheme for those who have just passed their test, cycling training for youngsters, a junior road safety officers scheme and supporting the Hereford Times’ safer driving campaign.