Sam Foster makes heartfelt appeal to road users

The Minister of the Environment Sam Foster has appealed to the people of Northern Ireland to take more care on the roads after a week in which 10 people died in road traffic accidents.

Speaking on Thursday December 6, Mr Foster said: “Please, please exercise utmost care on the roads. This year, 135 people have died on our roads. Ten have been killed in the last week. Each death means a family thrown into grief - a father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister gone for ever.”

Mr Foster’s appeal comes just the day after a man and his wife, who was carrying their unborn child, all died following a road traffic accident in County Fermanagh on Wednesday December 5.

Trevor and Sharon Milligan, both in their 30s, were killed in a collision near Kesh, County Fermanagh on Wednesday afternoon. They had been expecting their first baby at Christmas. Mrs Milligan died at the scene while her husband died a short time later at the Erne hospital in Enniskillen. A 22-year-old motorcyclist also died on Wednesday after being struck by two cars as he lay in the road at Atlantic Road, Portrush and a fourth victim was killed after he was struck by a car in Portglenone, County Antrim.

In making his appeal, the Environment Minister stressed the consequences of speeding and drink driving. He said: “Speed is a killer. Travelling at excessive or inappropriate speed is totally irresponsible. Even a few miles per hour slower can make the difference between life and death. I appeal to drivers, Slow Down.

“Drink-driving is a killer. Even one drink impairs. I urge you, Never Ever Drink and Drive.

“Seatbelts save lives. Never travel in the car without securing your seatbelt and make sure your children belt up. No seatbelt No excuse.

“We must prevent this seemingly endless heartache and sadness, which emanates from death and injury on our roads. I urge all of you, behave responsibly on the roads and help bring this carnage to an end.” (AMcE)