Drivers in Northern Ireland have been warned about the dangers of watching videos and using social media while driving by a senior police officer. Deborah Erskine, the chairwoman of the Stormont Infrastructure Committee, expressed her shock at hearing about a driver who was reading a book behind the wheel.
The region has seen 48 road deaths so far in 2024, with eight occurring in September alone. This number is only two less than the total recorded by the same point last year. In 2023, there were a total of 71 road deaths, the highest in recent years.
To address the issue of road safety, the PSNI brought the Road Safe Roadshow 2024 to Stormont. Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson highlighted the importance of the roadshow in educating young people about the consequences of careless driving. He emphasized the role of individual decisions in causing collisions on the roads.
Examples of reckless driving witnessed by the police include texting, using social media, watching videos, being distracted by children, and applying make-up while driving. Chief Superintendent Donaldson stressed the importance of slowing down, not drink driving, avoiding careless driving, staying off phones, and wearing seatbelts to prevent accidents.
Deborah Erskine praised the emotional and impactful event, emphasizing the need for the Road Safety Strategy to be fully implemented with proper funding. She called for increased advertising on road safety to raise awareness among the public.
It is crucial for all drivers to prioritize safety on the roads and avoid distractions that can lead to accidents. By staying focused, following traffic rules, and being responsible behind the wheel, everyone can contribute to making the roads safer for themselves and others. Let’s all make a conscious effort to prioritize road safety and prevent unnecessary tragedies on our roads.