NI Executive Approves DfI's New Road Safety Strategy

Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has welcomed the NI Executive's approval of the Department for Infrastructure's (DfI) new Road Safety Strategy.

The Strategy outlines ambitious targets for improving road safety by 2030 and the Department will work with partners to develop an action plan aimed at achieving these goals. In 2023, 71 people lost their lives on the North's roads—the highest death toll in eight years—and so far this year, 29 lives have tragically been lost.

Unfortunately, evidence indicates that over 95 per cent of road deaths are caused by human error, including careless or inattentive driving, inappropriate speed for the road or conditions and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which account for most fatalities and serious injuries.

Meanwhile the latest Fatal and Serious road traffic collisions caused by Drink Driving in NI 2018 - 2022 were published today. They show that from 2018-2022, 377 people were Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) on our roads as a result of taking drink or drugs. Men were responsible for 80 per cent of those KSI collisions and drivers in the 17-49 age group were responsible for 82 per cent of those collisions.

John O'Dowd said: "I welcome the support of my Executive colleagues who today approved a new Road Safety Strategy. It is a hugely important document to refocus minds and energies on creating safe roads, safe vehicles, and safe people. However, it is only the collective efforts of us all that will truly make a difference. Sadly the death toll on our roads has risen this week to 29, with three more families mourning the loss of a beloved family member. There is more we can and must do and this strategy will set the direction for future road safety policies and actions. My sincere sympathy is extended to all those bereaved due to road deaths."