Road users warned not to 'weekend it'

Department of the Environment (DOE) has launched a new Road Safety Campaign with the message 'Don't weekend it.'

Statistics have revealed that almost twice as many people are killed on Northern Ireland's Roads at the weekends than midweek.

As part of their ongoing work to cut down the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads, the DOE and the National Safety Council in the Republic of Ireland have produced a cross-border advertisement to air on key weekends throughout the year.

It will be shown for the first time on Friday 28 April 2006 and will feature three main road safety messages; Never Ever Drink and Drive; No Seatbelt No Excuse; and You Can't Get Over the Carnage, backed by a specially re-mixed version of the Gary Moore track 'Friday On My Mind.'

DOE spokesperson Harry Green said: "We all look forward to the weekend. Sadly, not all of us will survive it.

“So far this year, nearly twice as many deaths occurred at the weekend than during the rest of the week.

“Most of those tragedies were preventable.”

Mr Green continued: "Every one of us can play our part in making our roads safe this weekend and every weekend.

We can do this by taking responsibility for our own lives and the lives of others who share the road with us.

That means always driving at a safe speed. It means making sure that everyone in the car is safely strapped in. And, of course, it means never ever drink and drive. Enjoy the weekend - don't weekend it."

Chief Inspector Brian Kee from the Police Service's Road Policing Development Branch said: "We appeal to drivers to pay attention to their driving standards at all times, and heed the life-saving advice contained in this campaign.

"The Police Service of Northern Ireland, working together with the DOE and all other agencies involved in road safety, want to encourage better driver behaviour. We will also take firm enforcement action against those who insist on putting themselves and others at risk of death or injury.

"That is why Operation Roadsafe - which replaces Operation Viper - will be in place across Northern Ireland this May Bank Holiday weekend with the aim of detecting those who disregard the safety of road users.”

Chief Inspector Kee concluded that the PSNI seek the support of the whole community in making the roads of Northern Ireland safer for everyone.

(EF/GB)