Siobhan Casey, The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland has added her backing to the Department for Infrastructure’s ‘Share the Road to Zero’ road safety campaign.
Explaining that it was more important than ever that older drivers take extra precautions to stay safe, the Commissioner said:
“Too many older people are being seriously injured on our roads, whether as drivers or pedestrians, and this is something we cannot ignore.
“While statistically older car drivers are less likely to be responsible for serious or fatal collisions on our roads compared to young car drivers, the reality is that in the event of a collision they are more likely to be badly hurt and to face a longer road to recovery.
“We are now in mid-winter with icy conditions and reduced daylight making driving more challenging for everyone, it’s more important than ever that older drivers take extra precautions to stay safe. I would also encourage everyone to consider any health conditions or changes that might affect their driving and take the necessary steps to manage these so that we all can remain safe, confident and independent for as long as possible.”
The campaign reminds older drivers to be aware of the prevailing road conditions, keeping their driving licence up to date in the event of any illness and other health issues and to be aware of different requirements around driving licence renewal for drivers aged over 70.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “I want to thank the Commissioner for highlighting the ways in which older drivers can keep safe on our roads and making sure we all follow the appropriate steps in the event of illness or other health conditions.
“Sadly too many people are killed and seriously injured on our roads every year and more than 95% of road deaths are due to human error.
“All of us can make a difference and help save lives by taking more care when using the roads.
“Our recent Fitness to Drive campaign is also a reminder to us all to follow the right steps in the event of illness and other health issues and for older people to be aware of the differing requirements for those aged 70 plus when renewing their licence.
“If we all keep ourselves right by taking personal responsibility, we will help make roads safer and help reduce fatalities.
“The sad reality is that if we do not all change our own attitudes when we are driving, our death toll will continue to increase.”
A number of high-profile sports stars have backed the initiative including Ulster Ladies GAA and Armagh captain Clodagh McCambridge, Olympian Ciara Mageean, Liverpool and Northern Ireland footballer Conor Bradley, Ulster Rugby trio Jacob Stockdale, Nick Timoney, and Michael Lowry, Ulster GAA star Rory Grugan, senior women’s footballer Emily Wilson and Belfast Giants.
The Northern Ireland Football League, PSNI, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Road Safe NI and councils are among other organisations that have now signed up to the campaign.
