“We all share the road and we all have the power to make a difference when it comes to reducing the number of tragedies which claim lives and cause serious injury.”
That’s the message from authorities in Northern Ireland, on the back of figures showing 55 people lost their lives as a result of road collisions on the country’s roads in 2022, five more than the previous year.
The data shows 16 pedestrians were killed in 2022, compared to eight in 2021 – as well as nine motorcyclists.
As a result, Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are calling on those who use the road to respect fellow road users.
Their annual road safety message includes a plea for motorists to follow four ‘basic rules’: slow down, pay attention, never drive having taken alcohol or drugs and always wear a seatbelt.
Julie Harrison, permanent secretary for the Department for Infrastructure said: “A split second on the road can have devastating consequences.
“We know that most road deaths and serious injuries are due to human error so by being vigilant at all times of other road users – people who walk, wheel, cycle, motorcycle, drive, ride a horse as well as passengers in vehicles – we can all make a difference.
“As we begin 2023, I ask all of us who share the road to respect fellow road users and follow these four basic rules: slow down, pay attention, never drive having taken alcohol or drugs and always wear your seatbelt, however short your journey.”
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