‘Honest conversations’ needed around road safety – O’Dowd
As a society, we need to have frank and honest conversations about what we can all do as road users, no matter how we travel, to ensure that everyone gets home safe.
That was the message from Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd as he launched the ‘Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030’, which focuses on safe roads, safe vehicles and safe people.
The Strategy, developed following public consultation and engagement, outlines ambitious road safety improvement targets to 2030 and will play a key role in supporting policies across a number of Executive priorities.
It aims to provide a framework for government and other road safety stakeholders to establish their own road safety plans and recognises that a collaborative approach is required.
The strategy was launched at Crescent Link Fire Station in Derry.
Minister O’Dowd said: “This strategy will set the direction for future road safety policies and actions. By supporting this Strategy, the Executive are coming together to recognise the importance of road safety and to encourage everyone to take care on the roads by recording their support for the ‘Share the Road to Zero’ road safety initiative.”
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue chief Aidan Jennings said: “As a road safety partner of DfI it seems fitting that we help facilitate the launch of the new Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland. This strategy will help support all emergency agencies who work so hard to reduce the trauma of road traffic collisions.”
An Action Plan has also been developed by the Department with Road Safety partners, to support the strategy. This includes 10 strategic interventions that have been identified as having the potential to create the biggest impact on road safety.
Sadly, evidence shows that more than 95% of road deaths are due to human error – including careless or inattentive driving, inappropriate speed for the road or the conditions, and drink and drug driving account for most deaths and serious injuries.
In 2023, 71 people lost their lives on the North’s roads – the highest number of deaths for eight years. This year’s death toll is currently 41.
John O’Dowd added: “In the North, the death rate on our roads is, on average, one per week. It’s a shocking statistic but this is about so much more than that – 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.
“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 a new Strategic Road Safety Forum, which will look at how we can work together to improve outcomes.
“The devastation each and every road death leaves in its wake knows no boundaries and as road users we must all do everything we can – both individually and collectively – to reduce road deaths.”
