In 2001, the Government set a new ten-year target to reduce the number of people killed and seriously hurt in collisions by 40 per cent.

In Derbyshire, the target was to reduce the figure to 499 but this has been bettered by 88 casualties, with 411 deaths or serious injuries in 2010.

There were 718 collisions of this nature in Derbyshire in 2001.

Chief Inspector Steve Wilson, head of Roads Policing said: “Although we are pleased with this significant achievement, every collision is one too many and we will continue to do everything we can to make our roads safer for everyone.

“The reduction over the last ten years has been a real partnership effort. As well as speed enforcement and vehicle safety checks, the reduction can be attributed to improved road designs, better education for drivers and safety campaigns.”