A total of 125 people have been killed on Northern Ireland's roads in 2006 – 10 less than last year, according to provisional figures released today.

Road Safety Minister David Cairns said: “Each death on our roads is needless and tragic. I find it particularly sad that 34 young people under the age of 21 died on our roads in 2006. An immeasurable loss to families and to society.

“The 2006 figure represents a small but continuing downward trend in road deaths in Northern Ireland. However, this will be no comfort to families and communities traumatised by the loss of loved ones I will keep working to prevent others going through this pain.

“Of course, responsibility for death on our roads lies with road users. Some young people drive as if they are indestructible. I have a vital New Year message for all road users - speeding kills, drinking and driving kills, not wearing a seat belt kills and not paying attention kills. Resolve now to drive safely in 2007!”

Assistant Chief Constable Roy Toner added: “One death is one too many and road safety remains and will remain a priority for the police throughout 2007. Although we saw a decrease in the number of road deaths in 2006, we can take little comfort in the fact that 125 people lost their lives on our roads. The pain of these avoidable deaths has touched family, friends and communities right across Northern Ireland and beyond. Each one of these victims represents a tragic loss for individual families and friends. We will be working hard to save more lives on our roads and prevent serious injuries. We are all responsible for road safety and today I am asking all drivers, passengers and pedestrians to help save lives in 2007.”

(EF)