SHOCK new figures have revealed that more people were killed in road accidents in Aberdeenshire over the past decade than in any other region in Scotland.
Statistics released by Transport Scotland showed there were 280 fatalities between 2002 and 2012 – and 1,566 serious-injury crashes.
Opposition MSPs said the public would be “appalled” by the death toll and urged the Scottish Government and other agencies to step up efforts to cut the carnage.
And one campaigner branded the region’s roads – which include the A90, A96 and A947 – the “riskiest” in the country.
Figures for fatalities in comparable rural areas showed there were 103 in the Argyle and Bute Council area, 60 in Moray, 113 in Dumfries and Galloway, 116 in the Borders, 154 in Fife and 156 in Perth and Kinross over the same 10-year period.
There were 249 fatalities on Highland roads and 61 in Aberdeen, which, in common with other cities, had a lower road fatality rate.
Seven out of 10 road deaths in Scotland happen on country routes and three-quarters of the victims are men. A third are drivers aged 17-25.
Neil Greig, of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, claimed driving in Aberdeenshire was a “dangerous business” because of the volume of traffic – linked to the buoyant economy – and the number of single-carriageway A and B class roads.
“If you have a region with a lot of traffic, it is more risky and dangerous – more cars on the road means more accidents,” he said.
“People driving in the north-east have to give the roads their full attention. They have to be on top of their game because they are driving on the riskiest roads.”
Mr Greig said upgrading some routes to dual carriageway, installing better signs, more police enforcement and improving road safety education would help reduce the number of fatalities.
North East Liberal Democrat MSP Alison McInnes said one death was “one too many” and claimed the SNP had “taken their eye off the ball” when it came to improving the trunk road network.
“The north-east needs more flyovers and underpasses on the A90, upgrading of the A90 and A96 trunk roads to dual carriageway and, of course, construction of the much-delayed Aberdeen bypass,” she said. “Transport Scotland should take heed of these figures.
“They are not just statistics because behind every one is a story of tragedy and a family left mourning.
“Drivers also have to take responsibility for their own speed and make sure they are travelling safely and at a speed appropriate for the road.”
Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald said the public “would be appalled but sadly not surprised” by the figures.
“They show there is still a serious problem in the north-east and it is worse here than anywhere else,” he added.
“The majority of deaths will be the result of mistakes drivers have made – driver error is the common thread.
“I have called on the police to keep a direct, active involvement in road safety education – it is a vital job.”
Conservative transport spokesman Alex Johnstone said the figures were no doubt linked to the geography of the region and the fact that many people, often inexperienced drivers, owned powerful cars.
“People will be appalled by these figures and will want something to be done,” added the north-east MSP.
Mr Johnstone said he hoped Transport Scotland would take the figures seriously and ensure the north-east was given “fair and equal” treatment when it came to road safety improvements.