Drivers still ignoring speed limits and drink driving warnings

Drivers are still ignoring speed limits and warnings about drink driving, police have claimed.

It follows the release of figures by the PSNI which show that 1,132 speeding drivers were detected during a recent three-day ‘Operation Viper’ road safety campaign.

Across Northern Ireland figures revealed:

• 317 people were detected for careless driving
• 601 people were detected not wearing a seat belt
• 58 people were detected driving without insurance
• 5 people were detected driving dangerously
• 47 people will be prosecuted for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Chief Superintendent Wesley Wilson said the detections were evidence of a robust and targeted enforcement policy.

“Making Northern Ireland’s roads safer for everyone is a priority for police. Sadly 123 people have been killed on our roads so far this year. Drivers must be aware of their responsibility not only for their own safety, but the safety of other road users," Chief Superintendent Wilson said.

In addition to the above figures, over 200 people were stopped and warned by the police for having defective vehicles, careless driving, and driving with excess speed.

“If every driver in Northern Ireland reduced speed, drove with more care and attention, wore seatbelts and never, ever drove after drinking then we would be looking at many fewer tragedies on our roads,” he added.

(MB/SP)