12 May 2004

Most road deaths occur on rural roads, Government reveals

The majority of road deaths in Northern Ireland occur on rural roads, the Government revealed today.

During a visit to this year’s Balmoral Show, Environment Minister, Angela Smith said that of the 59 people who have died on Northern Ireland's roads this year, 38 of those deaths had occurred on rural roads.

“We all need to be more responsible and to take more care when using the roads," the Minister said. "I would encourage all visitors to the show to make a point of visiting the road safety stand, where there will be information and advice available on all aspects of road safety.

“Also on display will be the crashed car that features in DOE’s anti-speeding campaign. Just take a good look at the damage that has been done to this vehicle. It shows how serious a collision can be at just 35 mph."

The Northern Ireland Civil Service [NICS] is running a road safety feature on their Balmoral Show stand entitled 'Safer Travel and Transportation'.

This year's Balmoral Show, which began today and runs until Friday, is expected to attract more than 60,000 visitors.

(MB)