The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Siobhan
Casey 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 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
eyesight issues.
“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 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.
Notes to editors:
- Pledging to ‘Share the Road to Zero' is an online click of a
button via www.sharetheroadtozero.com(external
link opens in a new window / tab)
- The Department for Infrastructure has a social media campaign
to raise awareness around fitness to drive: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/news/dfi-launches-social-media-campaign-raise-awareness-around-fitness-drive
- Information on driving eyesight requirements is available
here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/driving-eyesight-requirements(external
link opens in a new window / tab)]
- Information on how and when to tell DVA about a medical
condition is available here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/how-tell-dva-about-driver-medical-condition
