Summer Road Safety Operation
25 Jun 2010
Speed detections double ahead of summer safety drive
According to preliminary figures, during the first two weeks of June, police have detected over 2,600 people speeding – over double the normal figure for speeding detections.
Speaking at the launch of the Summer Road Safety Operation, Head of Road Policing, Superintendent Muir Clark said, “We warned all road users last month that we were going to deploy additional recourses across Northern Ireland to target people who take the completely selfish decision to speed and put lives at risk.
“While Police have delivered on our commitment, it is frustrating and disappointing that so many people are still taking unnecessary and incredibly dangerous risks on our roads.
“To date this year, 24 people have been killed in collisions on our roads, while that’s half the number when compared to this time last year, the reduction is little comfort to those who have lost loved ones in very sudden and traumatic circumstances.
“So once again, we are appealing for all road users to slow down. In the weeks ahead road policing officers will also be distributing small information cards which not only highlight the speed limits, but also illustrate the very real possibilities of what can happen if people break those limits.”
Superintendent Clark went on to explain that in addition to targeting people who break the speed limit, over the coming summer months, police will be running a series of targeted operations to detect drink drivers. He said:
“It is absolutely unacceptable that there is a minority of people in Northern Ireland who still insist on driving after having taken drink or drugs. Every drink driver is a potential killer.
“All too often, police officers and our emergency service colleagues witness the results of drinking and driving. It kills, maims, wrecks families and communities, so I am appealing for all road users to consider the consequences of their actions.
“If you drink and drive you are likely to be caught, arrested and brought before the courts. You will almost certainly lose your licence for one or more years, will be fined, and will have great difficulty in obtaining car insurance in the future. You also risk losing your job or going to jail. At worst, you could end up killing yourself or some innocent person.
“Our message is very simple, if you are planning on enjoying a drink at a summer barbeque, party, music festival, watching the remainder of the World Cup or any other sporting events, then leave the car at home and make other arrangements. Get a taxi or use public transport. If you’re using a designated driver, for goodness sake just don’t get into the car with them if they’ve been drinking, it’s not worth the risk,” He said.
Looking ahead to the break-up of schools for the summer holidays, Superintendent Clark reminded road users to be conscious of increased numbers of children using or crossing roads, particularly close to parks and leisure amenities, in addition to junctions and bus stops.
He added: “Parents and guardians really need to reinforce the road safety message with young people, in particular the basics of how to cross the road safely – looking both ways without being distracted by friends, mobile phones or MP3 players.
“Everyone must take into account increased traffic levels over the holiday period and heed the road safety message. All road users have a role to play in preventing deaths and injuries on our roads. All we ask is that drivers slow down, do not drive or ride a motorcycle after drinking or taking drugs, wear a seatbelt and drive with greater care and attention,” Superintendent Clark concluded.
