O’Dowd welcomes Ministers support for road safety initiative

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has welcomed Executive support for the ‘Share the Road to Zero’ road safety initiative.

Ahead of Road Safety Week, Ministers have come together to record a video in support of the community engagement campaign, which aims to reduce road deaths by encouraging us to take more responsibility and care on the roads.

Minister O’Dowd said:

“Road traffic collisions have devastating consequences, which is why road safety is an issue for all of us as a society. We all have a part to play in reducing road deaths and in recording their support for the ‘Share the Road to Zero’ road safety initiative, my Ministerial colleagues have recognised that.”

Sadly, evidence shows that more than 95% of road deaths are due to human error - careless or inattentive driving, inappropriate speed for the road or the conditions, and drink and drug driving account for most deaths and serious injuries here.

In 2023, 71 people lost their lives on the North’s roads – the highest number of deaths for eight years. So far, this year’s death toll is 57 people.

Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd said:

“There is more we can and must do as individuals to keep ourselves and others safe when we are out and about on the roads. While our plans might take priority, we also need to be aware of those we share the roads with when driving.

“In the North, the deathrate on our roads is, on average, one per week. It’s a shocking statistic but this is about so much more than statistics – it’s 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.”

John O’Dowd added:

“The PSNI, NI Ambulance Service and the NI Fire and Rescue Service have also joined my department, along with DoJ and DAERA colleagues, to form the Strategic Road Safety Forum, which is looking at how we can work together to improve outcomes.”

WATCH: Ministers remind us all to take more care and responsibility on the roads ahead of Road Safety Week, which begins on 17 November: TheExecutiveSRZ

Notes to editors: 

1. Pledging to ‘Share the Road to Zero’ can be done online: via www.sharetheroadtozero.com 
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 on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure and on LinkedIn at DfILinkedIn

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