Glasgow is hosting a major three-day conference looking at ways to reduce the number of people killed on Scotland's roads. Experts want to emphasise the message that changing the behaviour and attitudes of road users is crucial if we are to make our roads safer.

According to latest figures, in 2006 314 people died on Scotland's roads and 17,000 were injured. Now, experts from RoSPA's Road Safety Congress are gathering in Glasgow to discuss ways of cutting down the number of accidents which happen on the roads.

Among the other topics up for discussion will be speeding and attitudes of motorists. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association will give also a presentation on how to involve disabled people to make our roads safer.

The future of driver training and resting will also be examined, while experts will explore ways of engaging both young and older motorists. The key message the conference wants to get across is that whether as a driver, motorcyclist, or pedestrian, we all need to be aware we each have a role to play in ensuring the safety of all other road users around us. "There are still far too many people dying on Scotland's roads," MSP Stewart Stevenson, the Scottish Government's Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, said in today's opening address at the Crowne Plaza hotel.

"We must look at new ways of getting road safety messages across to drivers of all ages if we are to stop more families suffering the tragedy of a loved one being lost. To do that, we need engagement from everyone in Scotland ­ from drivers, to road safety experts, the police, young people and others.

"The Scottish Government is currently working on a new 10-year road safety strategy for Scotland, drawing on the expertise of some of our leading thinkers on road safety, but we want engagement from all in this process. Conferences like this one from RoSPA are vital in sharing ideas and experiences, but I would urge everyone to have their say on the shape of things to come. Our consultation on the new Road Safety Strategy for Scotland gives people the chance to do that, and we are keen to hear their views."