We can all play our part in preventing deaths and serious
injuries on our roads by looking out, not just for ourselves, but
for others too, Infrastructure Minister has said.
Commenting on findings from the latest ‘Road Safety Issues in
Northern Ireland' Continuous Household Survey, the Minister said:
“Almost everyone who took part in the research said they
were responsible for their own safety and actions when using the
road, while just over two thirds considered themselves also
responsible for the safety of everyone.
“While this is welcome news, it is concerning that over
30% of survey respondents do not view the safety of every road
user as being their responsibility. I would appeal to everyone,
whether travelling in a motorised vehicle, cycling, on foot or on
horseback, to think about the safety of both themselves and of
others when using the road.
“Over 95% of road deaths are caused by human error, which
means the power to reduce the number of people killed and injured
on our roads lies with all of us as individuals.
“When we get behind the wheel, it's natural to believe
that it's ‘other drivers' that are the problem on the roads but
it's worth remembering that to everyone else, you are the ‘other
driver'. Careless or inattentive driving, inappropriate speed for
the road or the conditions, and drink and drug driving account
for most deaths and serious injuries.
“No one sets out on a journey believing that they will
not arrive at their destination safely but, tragically, already
this year five people have not arrived home. I would appeal to
everyone setting out on a journey, no matter how short or routine
it may be, to think about their own personal actions, and the
safety of others, when travelling. By doing so, you could not
only potentially save your own life but ensure others get home
safely too.”
Notes to editors:
- The Road Safety Issues in Northern Ireland' Continuous
Household Survey is available at the following
link: Road Safety issues in Northern
Ireland 2023/24 | Department for Infrastructure
- Key findings
Mode of Travel
• The largest percentage, 78% said they regularly use the roads
as a driver. Males (79%) were more likely to use the roads as a
driver than females (75%).
• The second largest percentage, 71% said they regularly use
the roads as a passenger. Females (73%) were more likely to use
the roads as a passenger than males (68%).
• The third largest percentage, 66% said they regularly
use the transport network as a pedestrian. People living in
urban areas (71%) were more likely to use the transport network
as a pedestrian than people living in rural areas (56%).
Responsibility
• Nearly everyone (99.6%) said they were responsible for
themselves when using the transport network.
• Over four-fifths (83%) of people said they were responsible
for pedestrians when they use the transport network.
• Just over seven-tenths (71%) of people said they were
responsible for Horse-riders when they use the transport
network.
• Over two-thirds (67%) said they were responsible for
everyone when using the transport network.
Road Safety
• Drink-driving (34%) was the road safety issue most important
to the highest percentage of people, followed by Speeding
(23%).
• Only 4% stated that Drug-driving was the most important
to them, with 1% saying they had no road safety concerns.
