Write a comment
As Road Safety Week 2024 wraps up, the PSNI are asking people to reflect on sobering statistics that highlight the urgent need for road safety across Newry, Mourne & Down.
So far this year, 59 people have lost their lives on Northern Ireland’s roads, with 32 fatalities in the South Area (including Newry, Mourne & Down). These tragedies have left 32 families, mostly from rural areas, facing a Christmas without their loved ones. We must work together to reduce these numbers.
Locally, the police have focused on the ‘Fatal Five’ – don't drink or take drugs and drive, slow down, don’t be careless, always wear your seatbelt, and never use your mobile while driving.
This year police have made over 900 arrests for driving under the influence in the South Area, with 311 arrests in Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon, 224 in Newry, Mourne & Down, and others across the region.
New measures, like DrugWipes, now allow roadside testing for drugs, offering a swift way to identify impaired drivers.
As Christmas nears, they’re launching their ‘Seasons Greetings’ safety campaign, focused on road, retail, and public safety.
We all share the responsibility to prevent road deaths. If you suspect someone is driving under the influence, please report it immediately. You could save a life.
For more information on the fatal five visit www.psni.police.uk
