The number of road deaths in Northern Ireland has fallen to its lowest level since records began.
Environment Minister Edwin Poots revealed that 55 people were killed on Northern Ireland roads in 2010, the lowest since records began in 1931. That is 60 less than the previous year, representing a 50 per cent fall in fatalities and a 20 per cent reduction in serious injuries.
In 2000, 171 people were killed on the North’s roads.
The Road Victims Trust said the recession and bad weather meant less people were driving and more were seeking cheaper alternatives.
Chief executive Tony Parker said: “Because of the bad weather there is less traffic on the road and people are a lot more careful.”
He said road safety mechanisms in cars, air bags, better design of cars and increased wearing of seat belts meant people were surviving accidents at 100km/h when previously they were dying.
PA
