Road deaths 'lowest in 60 years'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7170099.stm

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The number of people killed on Northern Ireland's roads last year was the lowest in 60 years.

Figures from the Department of the Environment indicate there were 112 people killed in 2007 - 14 fewer than the previous year.

The figures mirror those for 1947, which was the lowest total since records began 16 years previously.

Environment Minister Arlene Foster said she wanted everything possible done to prevent deaths this year.

"I would appeal to all drivers to resolve to improve not only their own health but the health of others by acting responsibly at all times," she said.

"That involves not exceeding speed limits, abstaining from driving if they have taken any alcohol, driving defensively and paying attention at all times, switching off all mobile phones before driving and wearing a seat belt."

Assistant Chief Constable Roy Toner said the police were not complacent about the issue.

"The vast majority of road traffic collisions are preventable, so we make absolutely no apology for adopting a robust approach to enforcement," he said.

"It is disappointing that despite countless high profile road safety operations and public awareness campaigns, a minority of drivers still continue to disregard the road traffic laws."