New figures show the number of road deaths in Australia has dropped by almost a quarter during the past decade.

The Road Deaths Australia Summary reports on road fatalities from 2004 until 2013.

The results show a 25 per cent drop in all types of road deaths. When population changes are taken into account the drop increases to 35 per cent.

Drivers aged between 17 and 25 saw the greatest improvement, with the number of deaths halving between 2004 and 2013.

The biggest reductions were in New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria and the ACT.

The number of fatalities involving drivers aged 65 and over increased, partly because of a rise in the number of people in that age group.

Older drivers comprise 14 per cent of the population but accounted for 23 per cent of fatalities over the last decade.

Single vehicle accidents were the most common, representing 47 per cent of all crashes, and men accounted for almost three-quarters of all deaths.

Motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in fatalities than car accidents, with motorbike riders representing almost 20 per cent of all road deaths.

The report was published by the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics.

Road safety authorities say changes to licensing systems are a factor in fewer young people dying on Australian roads.

VicRoads director of vehicle and road use policy James Holgate says logbooks for young drivers have made a significant difference.

"In our view, one of the main contributions has been the introduction of graduated licensing systems," he said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-06/australian-road-deaths-drop-by-about-a-quarter/5506740

Image at top: SMH (possibly 27/12/59)