Menu
21/04/2023
Sixteen Deaths On NI Roads To Date This Year
Sixteen people have died on Northern Ireland's roads to date this year, six more than the same period last year.
With an increase in fatalities the PSNI has urged people to "stop and think" about the figure.
Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson said: "Tragically, 16 people have already lost their lives on our roads this year. That is six more compared to the same time period last year.
"Eight of those people killed in road traffic collisions on roads across Northern Ireland were pedestrians.
"I am asking everyone to stop and think about this figure for a moment. These figures are not just statistics. Every time you hear about a fatal or serious collision on the news, there is a family, a circle of friends, a community plunged into mourning.
"Many more people have suffered serious and sometime life-changing injuries.
"With longer hours of daylight, more people are out and about, pedestrians, cyclists and all other road users. It's also a busy time for farms, with more agricultural machinery on the move. So it is critically important that everyone refocuses their attention on road safety.
"Road users should keep an eye out for increased numbers of pedestrians using or crossing roads, particularly close to parks and leisure amenities, in addition to junctions and bus stops and in particular, on rural roads, day and night.
"Pedestrians must pay attention to their environment, whether that means not getting distracted by friends or mobile devices, or being especially careful when walking on country roads by walking against the traffic flow and by wearing highly visible clothing.
"With the longer hours of daylight, we are also seeing greater numbers of motorcyclists returning to the roads. Bikers should ensure their machines and safety equipment are in good working order and that they ride defensively. In addition, drivers need to be alert to the presence of motorcyclists using the road network, particularly when emerging from and turning into junctions.
"All other road users, particularly those using country roads, need to ensure they drive at an appropriate speed to give them enough time to react to any slower moving agricultural vehicles, pay particular attention to width markings and any signals. Please take extra care and patience to reduce risk by not making dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.
"We all share the responsibility to prevent deaths and serious injuries on our roads. Never drive after drinking or taking drugs; drive with greater care and attention; always wear a seatbelt and never use mobile phones while driving.
"Given the recent number of pedestrian deaths, my appeal in particular is to look after yourselves, look after pedestrians and look after others."
Key advise from the PSNI includes:
• If you're a pedestrian on the roads, look after yourself:
• Stick to the footpaths and parts of the road designed for those on foot
• Try to cross the road where there are pedestrian crossings, traffic lights and other means to slow traffic
• If you're heading home after a night out, arrange a lift or call a taxi
• Avoid walking on the roads in darkness, especially country roads – if you must, wear something highly visible and walk against the flow of traffic.
If you're a driver, look after pedestrians:
• When you're near schools, shops and in built up areas, think pedestrian!
• Slow-down in these areas – 20/30mph is not a target, it's the maximum limit
• If you're near pubs and clubs late at night or in the early morning, drive slower and be aware that pedestrians may be in the area
• Always drive at a speed where you can stop if a pedestrian is on the road
For all of us, let's look after others:
• Keep kids close when you're out on the footpaths … and keep them really close when you're crossing the road
• If we're out with friends, remind them to be careful if they're on or near roads
• Try to avoid letting friends walk home after a night out, especially on rural roads – arrange a lift or call a taxi for them
• If you have concerns about the safety of pedestrians on specific roads, call police on 101
With an increase in fatalities the PSNI has urged people to "stop and think" about the figure.
Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson said: "Tragically, 16 people have already lost their lives on our roads this year. That is six more compared to the same time period last year.
"Eight of those people killed in road traffic collisions on roads across Northern Ireland were pedestrians.
"I am asking everyone to stop and think about this figure for a moment. These figures are not just statistics. Every time you hear about a fatal or serious collision on the news, there is a family, a circle of friends, a community plunged into mourning.
"Many more people have suffered serious and sometime life-changing injuries.
"With longer hours of daylight, more people are out and about, pedestrians, cyclists and all other road users. It's also a busy time for farms, with more agricultural machinery on the move. So it is critically important that everyone refocuses their attention on road safety.
"Road users should keep an eye out for increased numbers of pedestrians using or crossing roads, particularly close to parks and leisure amenities, in addition to junctions and bus stops and in particular, on rural roads, day and night.
"Pedestrians must pay attention to their environment, whether that means not getting distracted by friends or mobile devices, or being especially careful when walking on country roads by walking against the traffic flow and by wearing highly visible clothing.
"With the longer hours of daylight, we are also seeing greater numbers of motorcyclists returning to the roads. Bikers should ensure their machines and safety equipment are in good working order and that they ride defensively. In addition, drivers need to be alert to the presence of motorcyclists using the road network, particularly when emerging from and turning into junctions.
"All other road users, particularly those using country roads, need to ensure they drive at an appropriate speed to give them enough time to react to any slower moving agricultural vehicles, pay particular attention to width markings and any signals. Please take extra care and patience to reduce risk by not making dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.
"We all share the responsibility to prevent deaths and serious injuries on our roads. Never drive after drinking or taking drugs; drive with greater care and attention; always wear a seatbelt and never use mobile phones while driving.
"Given the recent number of pedestrian deaths, my appeal in particular is to look after yourselves, look after pedestrians and look after others."
Key advise from the PSNI includes:
• If you're a pedestrian on the roads, look after yourself:
• Stick to the footpaths and parts of the road designed for those on foot
• Try to cross the road where there are pedestrian crossings, traffic lights and other means to slow traffic
• If you're heading home after a night out, arrange a lift or call a taxi
• Avoid walking on the roads in darkness, especially country roads – if you must, wear something highly visible and walk against the flow of traffic.
If you're a driver, look after pedestrians:
• When you're near schools, shops and in built up areas, think pedestrian!
• Slow-down in these areas – 20/30mph is not a target, it's the maximum limit
• If you're near pubs and clubs late at night or in the early morning, drive slower and be aware that pedestrians may be in the area
• Always drive at a speed where you can stop if a pedestrian is on the road
For all of us, let's look after others:
• Keep kids close when you're out on the footpaths … and keep them really close when you're crossing the road
• If we're out with friends, remind them to be careful if they're on or near roads
• Try to avoid letting friends walk home after a night out, especially on rural roads – arrange a lift or call a taxi for them
• If you have concerns about the safety of pedestrians on specific roads, call police on 101
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
Belfast Region City Deal Delivers Early Results
The Belfast Region City Deal, a decade-long investment program, is already making significant strides in delivering tangible benefits to the region. Three years after its inception, partners from the program recently visited Stormont to showcase the progress made so far.
Belfast Region City Deal Delivers Early Results
The Belfast Region City Deal, a decade-long investment program, is already making significant strides in delivering tangible benefits to the region. Three years after its inception, partners from the program recently visited Stormont to showcase the progress made so far.
09 May 2006
Roads Service to spend £6M on improvements
The Roads Service is to invest £4 million into the Armagh district and £2 million in the Newtownabbey area over the next twelve months, it has been revealed today.
Roads Service to spend £6M on improvements
The Roads Service is to invest £4 million into the Armagh district and £2 million in the Newtownabbey area over the next twelve months, it has been revealed today.
26 January 2004
Roads Service prepared to deal with snowfalls
Prepared to deal with heavy snowfalls, the DRD Roads Service in Northern Ireland have been on special alert since Sunday, following an advanced warning of possible snow from the Meteorological Office.
Roads Service prepared to deal with snowfalls
Prepared to deal with heavy snowfalls, the DRD Roads Service in Northern Ireland have been on special alert since Sunday, following an advanced warning of possible snow from the Meteorological Office.
02 December 2003
Local roads get record £80m spend
A record £80 million will be spent on structural roads maintenance this year across Northern Ireland. The figure was revealed by Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt as he presented DRD Roads Service’s autumn report to Newtownabbey Borough Council. Mr McCourt said: "This is a huge increase in investment over previous years.
Local roads get record £80m spend
A record £80 million will be spent on structural roads maintenance this year across Northern Ireland. The figure was revealed by Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt as he presented DRD Roads Service’s autumn report to Newtownabbey Borough Council. Mr McCourt said: "This is a huge increase in investment over previous years.
10 March 2020
Icy Stretch Forecast For NI
It appears we're not quite out of the woods just yet as a blanket of ice is set to cover Northern Ireland this week. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning in light of the frosty forecast. It will take affect at 9pm on Wednesday 11 March, continuing until 10am on Thursday.
Icy Stretch Forecast For NI
It appears we're not quite out of the woods just yet as a blanket of ice is set to cover Northern Ireland this week. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning in light of the frosty forecast. It will take affect at 9pm on Wednesday 11 March, continuing until 10am on Thursday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
