PRESS RELEASE

Issued on behalf of the Southern Area Accident Prevention Liaison Group

11 December 2009

Take Care on the roads this Christmas

The Southern Area Accident Prevention Liaison Group (SAAPLG) is urging people to take extra care on the roads this Christmas.

Dr Vinod Tohani, Public Health Agency and Chair of SAAPLG says: “As people spend more time on the roads over Christmas I would encourage everyone to take extra care as the festive season can present new dangers.

“Adults need to take precautions to prevent accidents happening whilst out and about on the roads. Parents should teach their children how to keep safe whilst playing outdoors and crossing roads. They should ensure that bicycle helmets are securely fitted when cycling, that garden fences are closed off for young children and seat belts are used at all times when driving.”

Dr Duncan Redmill, Specialist Register in Emergency Medicine with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust added: “The winter season and in particular the Christmas holiday period, sees an increase in demand for emergency services. Seasonal illness amongst the young and old, an increase in alcohol related assault and violence and an increase in mental health related problems over Christmas all present extra challenges to busy Accident and Emergency departments.

“Colder weather conditions and at times excess alcohol consumption can see an increase in serious road traffic collisions and road deaths. Injuries as a result of such accidents can range from limb threatening fractures to more life threatening organ injuries. Spinal fractures can result in permanent paralysis and disability. I would urge the public to drive safely and drink responsibly during the holiday period.”

Local PSNI Road Policing Education Officer, Constable Bill Holden, said: “Last year, drivers who had consumed alcohol or drugs caused 103 fatal and serious road traffic collisions, which resulted in 18 people dying and 121 people receiving serious injuries.

“These are particularly tragic deaths, because they are avoidable. I would encourage all motorists to think about the consequences to yourself and your family if you were involved in a serious collision when under the influence of drink or drugs.

”Words alone cannot describe the sights and sounds of the serious road traffic collisions which Police officers and our colleagues in the emergency services attend. I do not want officers knocking on doors at any time of the year, but especially over Christmas and the New Year, to tell families that a loved one has been killed on the roads,” he said.

Constable Holden added: “During last year’s operation, we carried out over 5,500 roadside preliminary breath tests and detected 477 drunk drivers.

“Drink and drive and at best, you are likely to be caught, arrested and brought before the courts. You will almost certainly lose your licence for one or more years. You will be fined, and you will have great difficulty in obtaining car insurance in the future. You also risk losing your job or going to jail.

”If everyone slowed down, did not drive after drinking or taking drugs, wore a seatbelt and drove with greater care and attention, then together we can reduce this preventable carnage on our roads.”

-ENDS-

For further information contact: Elaine Hyde, PR Assistant on (028) 3741 4597.

Notes to Editors

The Southern Area Accident Prevention (SAAPLG) was set up to help prevent injuries in the home and workplace in the Southern area of Northern Ireland. Agencies involved include: