The Northern Ireland Executive has approved the new Department for Infrastructure Road Safety Strategy, Minister O’Dowd has confirmed.
The Strategy outlines ambitious road safety improvement targets to 2030, and the Department will work with partners to develop an action plan to work towards these targets. In 2023, 71 people lost their lives on the North’s roads – the highest number of deaths for eight years and to date this year 29 people have tragically lost their lives. Sadly, evidence shows that more than 95% of road deaths are due to human error – careless or inattentive driving, inappropriate speed for the road or the conditions, and drink and drug driving account for most deaths and serious injuries.
Meanwhile the latest Fatal and Serious road traffic collisions caused by Drink Driving in NI 2018 – 2022 were published today. They show that from 2018-2022, 377 people were Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) on our roads as a result of taking drink or drugs. Men were responsible for 80% of those KSI collisions and drivers in the 17-49 age group were responsible for 82% of those collisions.
John O’Dowd said: “I welcome the support of my Executive colleagues who today approved a new Road Safety Strategy. It is a hugely important document to refocus minds and energies on creating safe roads, safe vehicles, and safe people. However, it is only the collective efforts of us all that will truly make a difference. Sadly the death toll on our roads has risen this week to 29, with three more families mourning the loss of a beloved family member. There is more we can and must do and this strategy will set the direction for future road safety policies and actions.
My sincere sympathy is extended to all those bereaved due to road deaths.”
PIC-INI
