Country roads can be killers and the Scottish Government has signed-up Formula 1 racing ace David Coulthard to front a safety campaign.
Between 2007 and 2011, the last full year for which figures are available, 406 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes on roads in the Borders.
The good news is the figure is dropping – from 82 in 2007 to 65 in 2011. But safety bosses say the national numbers are still too high, with country roads accounting for 70 per cent of Scottish road fatalities.
Transport minister Keith Brown commented: “It is clear that we are still seeing too many fatalities and serious injuries that are avoidable.
Coulthard, who lifted 13 Grand Prix titles, features on television, radio and cinema adverts showing that even the best drivers in the world adjust their speeds on rural roads.
The Dumfries-based driver said: “Sadly, too many people are killed in road accidents that could be avoided. My advice to older and younger drivers alike is to drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions, be aware of the limitations of their vehicle and at a speed which doesn’t hinder their decision-making abilities.
“I hope this campaign will reduce the eventuality of accidents on country roads and make sure it is something that doesn’t happen as often as it unfortunately does.”
Statistics show that in this region, most fatal and serious-injury crashes happen at weekends and between noon and 6pm.