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Road death numbers ‘worrying’

Winning team of the Jim Guy annual quiz for senior citizens at Age 'Concern, Malvern House. Seated (from left), are George Glenn, Jim 'Moore, Tony Page and David Burke. Included standing are Don O'Doherty, quizmaster and Albert Smallwoods, president, Age Concern, Londonderry. INLS 1311-502MT.
Winning team of the Jim Guy annual quiz for senior citizens at Age 'Concern, Malvern House. Seated (from left), are George Glenn, Jim 'Moore, Tony Page and David Burke. Included standing are Don O'Doherty, quizmaster and Albert Smallwoods, president, Age Concern, Londonderry. INLS 1311-502MT.

The death of Cathal Donaghy of Craigbane was one of three fatalities on the roads in Northern Ireland in just 48 hours.

Local spokesperson for the Foyle and District Road Safety Committee, Albert Smallwoods, says a worrying trend is the sharp rise in road deaths this year compared to last.

“Last year we recorded the lowest number of deaths on the roads of Northern Ireland since records began in 1931. Unfortunately this year we have double the number of fatalities compared to the same period in 2012. That said, there’s still time this year to record a lower number of deaths than last year.

“We have to be thankful and grateful that we have come a long way but the fact remains that 95% of road deaths are caused by human error. Our cars and roads are safer but speeding, careless driving, using mobile phones and drink driving are all contributing to road deaths.

“It’s all about education, education, education, especially among the 17-24 age category who cause 29% of road deaths and over half (56%) of all accidents.”