NI road crash figures hailed
The number of children killed or seriously injured on Northern Ireland’s roads fell by 12% last year, according to figures published today.
The Department for the Environment said it was encouraged by the statistics, which also recorded a 8% drop in the total number of fatalities and serious injuries in the province in 2004.
The findings were revealed in the second annual report of the Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy, which has set a 2012 target to cut the overall figures by 33% and the child statistics by 50%.
Wesley Shannon, the DoE’s Director of Road Safety, welcomed the new report.
He said: “Achieving these targets is not, and never has been, the limit of our aspirations.
“They are simply milestones along the way towards making the roads safer for everyone.
“We know that we might encounter setbacks in the years ahead but I think today’s report shows we are on the right path and I am confident that we can build on these achievements over the next year and beyond.”
But Mr Shannon also called on the public to help save lives.
He added: “Whilst we in the government departments and agencies will do all we can, I urge everyone to take personal responsibility for safety on our roads.
“Take heed of the road safety messages, slow down, pay attention, do not drive after taking drink or drugs and always wear a seat belt.”
The target for 2012 is based on the average number of fatalities and serious injuries for the five-year period 1996-2000.
The latest figures bring the number of people killed or seriously injured to level 24% below the 1996-2000 baseline.
The corresponding figure for children was 39% below the 1996-2000 baseline.
