Road safety week launches with call for responsibility

As reported by the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), Road Safety Week 2024, taking place from 17–23 November, is centred on the human impact of road traffic collisions.

According to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), one person dies on average every week on Northern Ireland’s roads, with 57 fatalities recorded so far in 2024.

DfI Minister John O’Dowd emphasised the far-reaching consequences of road collisions: “These are people, not just a statistic, and their lives are shattered and will never be the same again.” He also acknowledged the critical role of emergency services and urged the public to adopt safer behaviours.

The campaign encourages road users to consider the long-term impact of reckless driving and to share road safety messages within their communities.

Emergency services highlight their role and experiences

The NIFRS and other emergency services underlined the reality of their work during collisions.

Marcus Wright, Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, noted that in 2023 alone, firefighters attended 723 road traffic incidents and rescued 201 people trapped in vehicles.

He stated: “We are urging you to drive to the road conditions, don’t speed, allow more time for your journey and don’t get distracted.” He highlighted the challenges of winter weather, including black ice and flooding, as factors that increase risks.

Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson also described the emotional and operational toll on first responders and reiterated the importance of recognising and avoiding the “Fatal Five” driving behaviours: speeding, drink or drug driving, careless driving, seatbelt neglect, and mobile phone use.

Ambulance service reflects on road accident aftermath

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Chief Executive Michael Bloomfield shed light on the challenges faced by paramedics who attend road traffic collisions.

“Our crews have witnessed harrowing scenes that would make most people recoil,” Bloomfield said.

He described the trauma of losing young lives and the lingering impact on emergency responders who must process the devastation caused by avoidable incidents.

Bloomfield urged caution during the holiday season, stressing that even minor decisions can prevent life-altering accidents.

Road safety pledge promotes personal accountability

The DfI is encouraging the public to take the ‘Road Safety Pledge’ as part of its ‘Share the Road to Zero’ programme.

This initiative focuses on individual accountability and positive road behaviours for all users, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

The Department highlighted evidence showing that over 90% of crashes are caused by human error.

By taking the pledge, participants commit to safer practices, such as slowing down, avoiding distractions, and refraining from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The programme is open to individuals and organisations, with free resources available to promote road safety awareness.

Every road victim counts: summary

Road Safety Week 2024 in Northern Ireland, running from 17–23 November, focuses on the human cost of road traffic collisions.

DfI reports show that 57 people have died on the region’s roads in 2024.

Emergency services shared their experiences, highlighting the emotional and physical toll of responding to accidents.

DfI Minister John O’Dowd and representatives from NIFRS and the ambulance service urged safer behaviours and shared the “Fatal Five” driving risks.

The ‘Share the Road to Zero’ campaign promotes individual accountability, encouraging road users to take a safety pledge.

Evidence indicates that most crashes are caused by human error and are therefore preventable.