Newry, Mourne and Down Council joins pledge to Share the Road to Zero

Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte, said: “Too many people are sadly killed or seriously injured on our roads, which impacts far and wide. It is now time for us all to take stock of our responsibilities as road users, think about the consequences of our actions, and be mindful of other road users.

"Today I am signing the pledge on behalf of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, committing to act in the safest possible way on our roads every day, and I encourage others, both organisations and individuals, to do the same.”

Julie Thompson, Deputy Secretary in the Department for Infrastructure, said: “I welcome this opportunity to work in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down Council on this very important community initiative. I thank them for signing the ‘Share the Road to Zero’ pledge, and I hope this encourages others to do the same. The evidence shows that more than 95% of road traffic collisions where someone is killed or seriously injured are due to human error. This means, deaths and serious injuries on our roads are not an inevitable consequence of using the roads.

"The majority of collisions can be avoided, resulting in fewer casualties if we make the right choices when using the roads. If we as road users pay attention and stay focused, drive at the appropriate speed for the road or the conditions, never drink alcohol or take drugs before driving and always wear a seatbelt, lives will be saved.”