Road Safety Strategy unveiled in Northern Ireland

A new road safety strategy has been launched by the Northern Ireland Department of Infrastructure with the intention of halving road deaths by the end of the decade.

‘Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030’ was introduced by Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd after a public consultation.

Focusing on safe roads, safe vehicles and safe road users, the strategy calls for greater industry collaboration to improve road infrastructure, and provides a framework for government and other industry bodies to develop their own safety strategies.

O’Dowd said: “This strategy will set the direction for future road safety policies and actions. By supporting this Strategy, the Executive are coming together to recognise the importance of road safety and to encourage everyone to take care on the roads by recording their support for the ‘Share the Road to Zero’ road safety initiative.”

Road safety

The initiative comes after 71 people lost their lives on Northern Ireland’s roads last year, the highest number in eight years.

O’Dowd added: “The death rate on our roads is, on average, one per week. It’s a shocking statistic but this is about so much more than that – 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.

“The Police Service Northern Ireland, NI Ambulance Service and NI Fire and Rescue Service have also joined my department, along with Department of Justice and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affair, to form a new Strategic Road Safety Forum, which will look at how we can work together to improve outcomes.”