Infrastructure Minister has welcomed Executive support
for the ‘Share the Road to Zero' road safety initiative.
Ahead of Road Safety Week, Ministers have come together to record
a video in support of the community engagement campaign, which
aims to reduce road deaths by encouraging us to take more
responsibility and care on the roads.
Minister O'Dowd said: “Road traffic collisions have devastating
consequences, which is why road safety is an issue for all of us
as a society. We all have a part to play in reducing road deaths
and in recording their support for the ‘Share the Road to Zero'
road safety initiative, my Ministerial colleagues have recognised
that.”
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 here.
In 2023, 71 people lost their lives on the North's roads – the
highest number of deaths for eight years. So far, this year's
death toll is 57 people.
Infrastructure Minister, said: “There is more we can and
must do as individuals to keep ourselves and others safe when we
are out and about on the roads. While our plans might take
priority, we also need to be aware of those we share the roads
with when driving.
“In the North, the deathrate on our roads is, on average, one per
week. It's a shocking statistic but this is about so much more
than statistics – it's about people.
“Behind the figures are loved ones who set off on an everyday
journey but now, they are never coming home to their family and
friends. From the moment that happens, lives are shattered and
will never be the same again.”
added: “The PSNI, NI Ambulance
Service and the NI Fire and Rescue Service have also joined my
department, along with DoJ and DAERA colleagues, to form the
Strategic Road Safety Forum, which is looking at how we can work
together to improve outcomes.”
WATCH: Ministers remind us all to take more care and
responsibility on the roads ahead of Road Safety Week, which
begins on 17 November: https://bit.ly/SRZ2024
Notes to editors:
- Pledging to ‘Share the Road to Zero' can be done online:
via www.sharetheroadtozero.com
