Death on our roads – 115 people killed in 2009
Monday, 4 January 2010A total of 115 people were killed on Northern Ireland’s roads in 2009, according to provisional figures released today.
This is eight people more than in 2008. Commenting on the figures Environment Minister Edwin Poots said: “The number of road deaths revealed today is disheartening. My sincere sympathy goes out to everyone who lost loved ones in collisions in 2009.
“The tragedy is that 115 people just like you and me were going about their normal business, presumably with hope, ambition and enthusiasm for the New Year ahead. But they didn’t get the chance to fulfil their ambitions.
“The death of each one is tragic and will have brought enormous suffering to their families and friends."
Mr Poots highlighted that road safety is one of his greatest priorities and that he is committed to ensuring that everything possible is done to prevent further deaths and serious injuries during 2010. He added: “We will continue our sustained efforts, working in partnership with the PSNI, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Ambulance Service, to deliver a programme of road safety education, engineering and enforcement initiatives.”
Mr Poots expressed his concern that young males are still vastly over-represented in road fatalities and implored all young drivers to take extra care. Drivers aged between 17 and 24 years old account for around 11% of our licensed drivers, yet were responsible for 38% of fatal collisions in recent years. However, he welcomed the news that the number of child deaths have fallen from seven children in 2008 to four children in 2009.
Referring to the overall trend, the Minister commented: “In 2000, 171 people were killed and if you look over the past decade, this has steadily declined to 107 in 2008 – which was the lowest ever on record. So, while the vast majority of us are heeding the road safety messages, there is a minority who are ignoring the warnings.
“There are still too many people dying needlessly on our roads. We will only see a further reduction in the number of people being killed if we all, whether as drivers, passengers or pedestrians assume personal responsibility for our own safety and the safety of others."
Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland, Head of the Police Service’s Operational Support Department, added: “115 men, women and children died, each of these casualties represents untold heartache and devastation to many people. Hundreds more were seriously injured, many so badly hurt their lives will never be the same again.
“The tragic reality is that the vast majority of road traffic collisions are preventable, so we make absolutely no apology for adopting a robust approach to enforcement.
"The figures demonstrate why our road safety campaign is so important, why we target dangerous and inappropriate driving. We need public support to ensure we hammer home the road safety message and protect those most at risk, such as our young and inexperienced road users.
"I would urge everyone travelling on local roads to do everything they can to ensure their journeys are safe this year. We all have a role to play in preventing deaths and injuries on our roads. If you speed, take drink or drugs and drive, fail to wear your seatbelt, drive carelessly or dangerously, you will be caught and prosecuted.”
Notes to editors:
1. Provisional figures released today show that in 2009 there was 115 deaths on Northern Ireland roads as a result of road traffic collisions.
2. Road user fatalities in 2009, by category, are as follows;
Pedestrian 24
Driver 46
Passenger 29
Pedal Cyclist 0
Motorcyclist 16
Pillion Passenger 0
TOTAL 115
3. Northern Ireland Road Deaths 2005-2009
Year Total
2005 135
2006 126
2007 113
2008 107
2009 115
4. The table below shows a snapshot of road death trends at various years from 1931 to present day.
Year Total
1931 114
1945 124
1953 163
1964 219
1969 257
1972 372
1982 216
1990 185
2000 171
2008 107
5. All media enquiries should be directed to DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
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