Road safety appeal from PSNI ahead of Bank Holiday weekend

POLICE are urging road users to take care extra care over the Bank Holiday weekend and play their part in keeping everyone safe on the roads.

Since the start of the year, 13 people have been killed in road traffic collisions across the North, including a number of tragedies in Tyrone.

Head of Road Policing, Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson says there’s likely to be more traffic and people on the roads in the coming days, and urges all road users to exercise care and to remain focused on road safety.

“We know many people will be heading out to enjoy the weather at popular destinations across Northern Ireland, including our cities, towns and beaches,” she said.

“We’re asking drivers to be vigilant, and be alert to the presence of motorcyclists and cyclists using the road network, particularly when emerging from and turning into junctions.

“There are also likely to be many more pedestrians on our roads. Please be aware of this as drivers, and to pedestrians please ensure you are visible to traffic at all times. Safety is paramount.

“That’s 13 families, their loved ones, friends and communities whose lives have changed in an instant and forever by the sudden death of a loved one.

“Our appeal is for everyone to recognise the dangers of the ‘Fatal Five’ and of the potentially life-changing consequences they carry.

“For drivers this means slowing down and staying within the speed limits. In one day alone, during Operation Lifesaver*, approximately 800 detections were made for motoring offences, around 700 specifically for speeding. This is staggering.

“Speeding is not just a low-level crime – it’s dangerous and it poses a serious threat to other road users. We cannot stress enough that slowing down and sticking to the speed limits can help save lives.”