Ninety percent of deaths on the roads are caused by human error and poor decision making, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has said as he confirmed 68 people lost their lives in 2024.
Deaths and serious injuries were caused mainly through careless or inattentive driving, inappropriate speed and drink or drug driving, the minister said in an end of year road safety message.
Mr O’Dowd said road traffic collisions are not inevitable and that most road deaths are avoidable. The total of 68 dead is slightly less than 2023, where 71 lost their lives, but higher than most recent years.
“In 2024, 68 people have had their lives cut short and hundreds more have been seriously injured on our roads,” Mr O’Dowd said.
“I wish to offer my sincere sympathies to all those who have lost loved ones and to those who endure life-changing injuries through road collisions.
“In the north, the death rate on our roads is, on average, one per week. That means every single week, at least one person – a mum, a dad, a son, a daughter, a friend - is not coming home to their family and their loved ones.
“Lives are shattered and will never be the same again.
“We all expect to be safe when using our roads but that isn’t the reality for everyone. We all know what we should do, yet too many people take risks.
“Road traffic collisions are not inevitable. Evidence shows that most road deaths are avoidable, as more than 9 out of 10 road deaths are caused by human error, poor decision making.”
Mr O’Dowd added that most deaths and serious injuries were caused “through careless or inattentive driving, inappropriate speed for the road or the conditions, and drink and drug driving”.
“As 2025 begins, I appeal to everyone to think about your behaviour when using the roads. Make a potentially lifesaving choice to be more mindful of others and proceed with care, follow the rules of the road - they are there to protect us and help everyone get home safe,” he added.
“As we start a new year, the harsh truth is that we all need to wise up when we are using our roads because if we don’t the number of deaths will continue to rise.”
The Department for Infrastructure most recently launched ROADWISE UP asking motorists to “watch their speed, do not take drink and/or drugs and drive, always pay attention and if walking take care to cross the road in a safe place, be mindful of cyclists and other road users and never use your mobile phone while driving”.
PSNI Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson said fatal road traffic collisions are more than a statistic.
“They are individuals who left home and never returned and people whose families and friends have been involved in traumatic, life-changing experiences,” Chief Supt Donaldson said.
“As well as deaths, many people have suffered serious and life-changing injuries, demonstrating that as a society, road safety is something that needs to be taken more seriously.
“As we welcome 2025, let us make it a year where we all take responsibility for making our roads safer. Remember the ‘Fatal Five’ - don’t drink or take drugs and drive; slow down; don’t be careless; always wear your seat belt and never use your mobile phone whilst driving.”
