Minister urges caution on the roads

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today urged all road users to exercise caution on the roads this summer following the recent tragic collision in County Donegal.

Eight people died in a horrific car crash on Saturday night near Buncrana in County Donegal and one person died following a car crash in Banbridge on Saturday afternoon.

Mr Poots said: "These latest road

deaths are terrible tragedies for the families and friends of all those involved and my thoughts are with them at this time."

The Minister said that the deaths were a shocking reminder to everyone how quickly disaster can strike and how important it is to be vigilant with more people out and about on the roads during the holiday period.

He said: "The devastating consequences of road collisions have far-reaching effects on family, relatives, friends, work colleagues and whole communities.

"So far this year 30 people have died as a result of road traffic collisions on Northern Ireland's roads. These are not just numbers, these are people's lives.

"I would urge everyone to make sure that the remainder of the summer holiday period is one we remember for fun and enjoyment and not for death and injury on our roads."

The Minister concluded: "I would remind all young people driving with passengers to ensure they only allow the appropriate number of people in their vehicle and that everyone is wearing a seat belt. The risk of multiple deaths can be decreased by following these rules."

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