Child Road Deaths At All Time Low

Northern Ireland's child road casualty figures have fallen to the lowest level on record.

During a visit to Oakwood Integrated Primary School in Dunmurry, NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson revealed the new statistics.

"Huge progress has been made in reducing child casualties in Northern Ireland. Only 30 years ago, around 50 children died every year on our roads.

"Last year that was down to five - the lowest on record. Nevertheless, one death is too many. These are not just numbers but young lives.

"The Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy, published in 2002, set a target for 2012 that we would reduce fatal and serious road casualties by 33% and those involving children by 50%.

"Last year we exceeded the target for child deaths and serious injuries which were 57% lower than the baseline in the strategy," he said.

The Minister also highlighted a significant fall in the overall number of people killed or seriously injured: 'In 2007, there were 1,210 road deaths and serious injuries. That represents an achievement of 31% against the 2012 target. At 113, the number of road deaths was the second lowest on record."

However, the Minister said despite this progress, the level of deaths and injuries on our roads remains unacceptable: "We cannot be complacent. Road safety will continue to be a top priority for my Department and these reductions should encourage us to work harder. We are working towards replacing the road safety strategy in 2010, two years ahead of schedule, and I want to see targets and a strong strategy that will put us among the best in Europe.

"I realise that this might be challenging but I see no reason why we should not pursue this vision."

The Minsister also called on all road users to take personal responsibility for road safety: "Every one of us can help save lives – be aware of other road users, drive at appropriate speeds, never drink or take drugs and drive, and always wear seat belts."

During his school visit to Oakwood Integrated - where he saw the work of his Department's Road Safety Education Officers in encouraging pupils to take part in cycling proficiency schemes, Mr Wilson said: "Children are particularly vulnerable on the roads and we must make sure that from an early age they understand the dangers and how they can keep themselves safe."

(BMcC)