The data shows that the figures for people killed in road accidents fell by 16% from 2,222 in 2009 to 1,857 in 2010.

There was also an 8% reduction in the number of people reported killed or seriously injured in 2010 to a total of 22,660.

The figures have been greeted by RoadSafe. Director Adrian Walsh said: 'This is a remarkable achievement. While there can be no single reason for this reduction, it is clear that an effort by drivers themselves, the road safety community as a whole and the safety investment by roads authorities has contributed. However a remarkable 20% reduction in deaths among car occupants is tribute to the enormous strides in car safety design.

‘It is not simply that cars are becoming safer when in a collision but the fitment of e-safety technology such as stability control means that crashes can be avoided,' he added.

He also commented on the influence of companies actively managing the road risk of staff who drive on business: 'Companies such as Driving for Better Business champions have shown that they can reduce the number of crashes and also improve efficiency – a win win for all.'

The IAM also added its comments. Director of policy and research, Neil Greig, said: 'It’s great to see deaths and injuries falling. The partnership between government, local authorities, enforcement agencies and education bodies is saving lives.

'The challenge now for the Government is to treat driving as a skill for life and support post-test training. Equally every individual motorist has to take responsibility for their own road risk, whether that means improving their driving through further training, or simply by taking a bit more care.'

Marcus Noble, managing director – fleet at Cardinus Risk Management, also said: 'While every death is a tragedy, equally every life saved is a success story. The clear message is that we can all work together to keep this trend improving for the benefits of society as a whole. In particular in times of austerity, how can any business afford not to work to reduce the risks and costs?'