‘Slow down and help save lives’ is the message from police to drivers ahead of the Easter holiday long weekend.
Speaking at a press conference in Belfast on Wednesday, 16 April, Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Operational Support Department said under Operation Lifesaver - which is the Service’s new approach to speeding - the public should expect to see officers conducting road safety operations across all districts over the holiday period. This will also involve deployment of the road safety camera vans.
“Speeding is one of the Fatal Five,* the main contributory reasons why people are dying on our roads,” said Chief Superintendent Donaldson.
“Of the fatal and serious collisions over the last year - collisions that have devastated families and communities and left loved ones dealing with unimaginable grief and others with life changing injuries - we know that speeding was the main causation factor in close to 10 per cent of cases, and a contributory factor in many other collisions.
"Speed can cause crashes, it can end in tragedy, and we cannot stress enough that all of us who drive have a responsibility to keep everyone safe on the roads and help save lives. This means sticking to the speed limits, paying attention on the road, slowing down and taking our time.”
Chief Superintendent Donaldson makes this appeal to drivers.
“With many people off over the Easter period, our roads will be busier. To all drivers, when you get into your vehicle, before you set off on your journey, no matter how far you are travelling, please remember this.
“If you speed, you could end up being involved in a collision, an injury collision or even a fatal collision. If you are caught speeding, you can be liable for a fine, a speed awareness course, penalty points on your licence or an appearance at court. You could also lose your licence, have your insurance cancelled, lose your job, damage your reputation, or even spend time in prison. If you speed and are involved in a collision, you risk causing damage to other vehicles and property, and serious injuries and death to others," said Chief Superintendent Donaldson, adding: “Take a few minutes before you drive off and think, how do you want your car journey to end?
"You have the power to keep yourself and everyone else on the road safe. Play your part, slow down and help save lives.”
*The Fatal Five - don’t drink or take drugs and drive; slow down; don’t be careless; always wear your seat belt and never use your mobile phone while driving.