55 People Died On NI Roads In 2019

Some 55 people lost their lives on Northern Ireland's roads last year, it's been revealed.

The figure comes as the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service joins other authorities in pleading for safer driving throughout 2020.

Last year, the service attended 755 collisions and rescued 544 people. The 'Share the Road to Zero' campaign aims to eliminate fatalities caused on the roads.

NIFRS Group Commander Gerry Lennon commented: "Road traffic collisions bring misery, pain and grief to individuals, families and communities. It is important that we recognise that we are all responsible for road safety – we all have a responsibility to 'Share the Road to Zero' and we simply must do everything we possibly can to ensure Zero road deaths in the year ahead."

Official government published advice highlighted the personal responsibility every driver faces to reduce the amount of deaths and serious injuries on local roads.

"The majority of road deaths are down to human error, including poor road user behaviour, and are preventable," NI Direct said.

To ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers and other road users, motorists must take actions when necessary that include:

• slowing down

• always paying attention

• never driving after drinking or taking drugs

• ignoring their mobile phone

• looking out for those who walk, cycle or ride a motorcycle as they are more vulnerable

• always wear a seatbelt, no matter how short the journey.

While authorities call for a safer year on the roads, it has emerged that a 13 year-old cyclist lost his life in a collision in west Belfast on Friday 03 January.

Eoin Hamill, a talented amateur boxer from the Springfield Road area, died in the collision near his home. A large vigil was held in Turf Lodge on Sunday night, 05 January, to remember the teen.



(JG/CM)