136 people were killed on Northern Ireland 's roads in 2005, according to provisional figures from the Department of the Environment.  This figure is at its lowest level since 1952.  However, it has been emphasized that this total is still far too high, and drivers must do their part to reduce the figure further, particularly amongst young people.

Environment Minister Jeff Rooker said: “The start of another new year is an optimistic time for many people as they look back on what they achieved in the old year and forward to new goals and plans for the year ahead. Sadly, this optimism will not be shared by many families in Northern Ireland who are having to live with the pain of losing loved ones on our roads. At the start of a New Year, we have the opportunity to take stock of what has been achieved in improving road safety and to look forward to the future.

“The 2005 provisional figures represent the lowest level of road deaths since 1952 when 133 people died as a result of road traffic collisions. Let's be clear, this is a significant milestone, but nothing more.

136 deaths during 2005 clearly shows that we still have a long way to go.

“ The figures highlight an encouraging reduction in the number of passenger and motorcyclist fatalities but of the 136 killed on the roads in 2005 - almost 70% were drivers and pedestrians.

“I appeal to all road users to play a personal part in reducing the number of fatalities and serious injuries on our roads during 2006. Let us all make this a New Year resolution. If we all accept this personal responsibility then together we will save lives.”

Superintendent Brian Kee, head of the Police Service's Road Policing Development Branch said: “I am pleased that there has been a reduction in the number of people killed on our roads last year. But at 136 the figure is still far too high. Improving road safety for all road users is a major policing priority and will continue to be so in 2006. We remain committed to a policy of education backed up by robust enforcement.

( See http://www.nics.gov.uk/press/env/060105a-env.htm )

This education is particularly important amongst young people.  The Association of British Insurers (ABI) launched a campaign last year to raise the issues of safety amongst teenage drivers after government figures showed a rise in the number of 16-19 year old drivers and passengers killed on Britain’s roads, even though the total number of deaths on Britain’s roads fell by 8%. 

Stephen Haddrill, Director General of the ABI, said:

"Reducing accidents involving young drivers should be the number one road safety priority for Britain. Research carried out by the insurance industry shows that teenage drivers are 10 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured while driving than motorists in their 40s.  And, while road deaths and serious accidents are falling on average for the majority, they are going up for young people – by a shocking 12% last year. We need a massive effort from everyone to end this tragedy."

 "The Government should now make young drivers their top priority in their campaigning and advertising about road safety. Other countries have imposed greater restrictions on teenage drivers and we may have to adopt these if we don’t make quick progress. But it would be much better if we could reduce the dangers through education and information.

“Effective action now will save life and enable us to get the costs of driving and insurance down for young people."

( see http://www.abi.org.uk/NewsReleases/viewNewsRelease.asp?nrid=11768 )

The issue of car insurance is an important one for young people.  According to the General Consumer Council, the cost of car insurance has rocketed in recent years, particularly for young drivers. And of course, in Northern Ireland we seem to always have paid more than in the rest of the United Kingdom.

( see http://www.consumerline.org/search/?cat=Goods+%26+Services&item=Car+Insurance )

So why do young drivers have so many accidents?  According to “Wired for Health”, the website developed by the Department of Health and the Department for Education and Skills, studies have shown that it boils down to three things:

SKILLS - Young drivers make more basic errors compared to other drivers (AA, 1997). The driving test is still relatively easy to pass and tests lower level skills. It does not involve potentially difficult driving situations such as night-time driving, rural roads, bad weather driving and motorways.

ATTITUDE - A study of 'safe' and 'unsafe' drivers showed that 'unsafe' young drivers have a poor attitude towards safety and are willing to take a great many risks (AA, 1999). It was found that there are some young drivers who are capable of driving safely but just choose not to (AA, 1997). Passengers can affect the driver as they may distract them, encourage them to take risks or show off (AA, 1999).

EXPERIENCE - Obvious but crucial. Research has shown that a young driver can react to hazards up to two seconds later than an experienced driver (AA, 1997). Hazard perception testing is now part of the computerised driving theory test.

DRINKING, DRUGS AND DRIVING - One in seven deaths on the road are related to drink driving (DETR, 1999). The number of drink driving offences has been getting lower and it is generally young people who have taken the message on board (AA, 1998).

( see http://www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk/cat.php?catid=905&docid=7367 )

What do you think?  Do you think that young people are more dangerous drivers?  Do you think that it is fair that younger drivers have to pay more on insurance?  Why not head over to the message board to discuss your views?

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