17/11/2014

One Driver Fined Every 24 Minutes In NI

A driver is fined every 24 minutes in Northern Ireland for speeding or running a red light, a new report has found.

The study, published by road safety charity Brake, revealed that over the last year, 22,051 fixed penalty notices have been issued in the region for motorists who have been caught driving too fast or running a red light.

Elsewhere, the research said that 40% of school children had been hit, or almost hit, by a vehicle while they were walking or on a bicycle. A further seven in 10 said they think the roads in their community are dangerous for walking and cycling.

The findings have been released as the charity launches its Road Safety Week campaign, of which this year's aim is "to tackle selfish driving".

Last year, 57 people were killed on Northern Ireland's roads, while 720 people were seriously injured. To date for 2014, 71 people have died on NI's roads.

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive at Brake, said: "When drivers use roads without care for others the consequences can be tragic and horrific – people killed and badly injured, lives ruined forever, because of a moment of impatience or selfishness."

Peter Collins, group and UK head of corporate responsibility at RSA, added: "A lack of patience or consideration for others on the roads can sometimes lead to dangerous, if not life threatening situations. Prevention is better than cure, so taking the time to look out for each other; being careful and considerate to all road users whether in vehicles, on bikes or on foot can help keep Britain's roads safe for everyone."

(JP/MH)

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