First roads fatality free month since 1986
02 Mar 2010
For the first time since police introduced electronic records in 1986, preliminary figures indicate that Northern Ireland’s roads have been fatality free for one calendar month (February).
“While we welcome these preliminary figures, the sad fact remains that five people have already lost their lives on roads across Northern Ireland so far this year,” said Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland.
“In addition, many more have been seriously injured. While some will go on to make a full recovery from their injuries, for others, their injuries may mean their lives, and the lives of their families and friends will never be the same again.
“The reality is that the vast majority of road traffic collisions are avoidable. Excessive speed for the conditions is still the most common single cause of fatal and serious injuries on roads in Northern Ireland, followed by the consumption of alcohol or drugs by drivers or riders and inattention or diverted attention.
“Police will continue to enforce the law and remain determined to make Northern Ireland’s roads safer by working in partnership with our DOE, DRD, NIAS, NIFRS and our Health Service colleagues to examine, develop and deliver new road safety initiatives.
“The bottom line is that every single road user must accept their responsibility for their actions and take the simplest steps, which will dramatically reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads - SLOW DOWN, pay greater attention and concentrate while driving, always wear a seatbelt and never, ever drive after taking drink or drugs,” Assistant Chief Constable McCausland concluded.
