O’Dowd supports the launch of the 2024 NI Road Safety Awards

Department for Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has attended the launch of the 10th Annual Road Safety Awards.

Minister John O’Dowd with Jonathan McKeown, Crash Services and retired firefighter Davy Jackson, chair of Road Safe NI Charity.

The launch was hosted by Road Safe NI Charity at the Hilton Hotel Templepatrick on Friday afternoon. 

The awards recognise the contributions of individuals and organisations who have worked to improve road safety in their communities.  

Twelve categories are open for nomination.

Minister O’Dowd said:

“I am happy to be here today to support the Road Safety Awards in appreciation of the work that is done within our communities to improve road safety for all.

“The deathrate on our roads is, on average, one per week. 

“Forty seven people have died following road traffic collisions in 2024. Sadly, seven people have lost their lives on our roads since the beginning of September alone.

“These are shocking statistics but we need to remember this is 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 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.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Department for Infrastructure’s ‘Share the Road to Zero’ campaign aims to reduce road deaths by encouraging us to take more responsibility and care on the roads. You can pledge to ‘Share the Road to Zero’ online Share the road to zero as an individual or an organisation. 
2. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
4. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra  and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure on LinkedIn at DfILinked

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