Poots reminds road users of their responsibilities during road safety week

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today reminded road users of their individual responsibility on the road.

Mr Poots made his comments at the start of Road Safety Week (23–29 November) and turned his thoughts to those families who have lost loved ones in recent times.

Mr Poots said: “So far this year 104 people have lost their lives on Northern Ireland’s roads and my thoughts are with each of those bereaved families.  We have to remember that every one of these deaths involves a real person and a real family.

“As road users, we each have a responsibility to avoid this terrible grief happening to our own, or anyone else’s, family.

“Road deaths continue to plague our society and we all need to make every effort to bring it to an end.”

Road Safety Week will see a series of events supported by DOE and various road safety partners such as PSNI, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Brake UK amongst others.   

The Minister said that the events during Road Safety Week should serve as a reminder to everyone about getting the road safety message across.  “If you look back over the last 10 years, you can see that deaths have been steadily declining.  However, the brutal reality of road death is how quickly normality can turn to tragedy - which only emphasizes how important it is that our efforts to end the carnage should continue."

Mr Poots added: “Although we are using the opportunity of Road Safety Week to once again urge drivers and pedestrians to go with caution, the Department implores road users all year round to pay attention, slow down, always wear your seatbelt and never drive after consuming alcohol or drugs.”

“Occasionally people make a mistake - and that mistake could cost you or another road user their life.”

Notes to editors:

1. 1.Last year on Northern Ireland’s roads 107 people lost their lives.  This was the lowest figure on record since records began in 1931.
2. 2.This year 104 people have died on the roads compared to 98 at the same time last year.  
3. 3.For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact the duty press officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.