The Northern Ireland Environment Minister today announced that they are considering stopping new drivers from driving at night - 4th January 2010

A curfew on new drivers driving at night in Northern Ireland is being considered as it would help reduce road accidents claims a government announcement.

The Environment Minister for Northern Ireland, Edwin Poots revealed that during 2009 the number of deaths was up eight on the previous year to 115.

Those killed was made up of 24 deaths from pedestrian accidents, 16 deaths from motorcycle accidents, 46 deaths being vehicle drivers and the remaining 29 being passengers.

 Young male drivers aged between 17 and 24 years old account for about 11% of licensed drivers in Northern Ireland but are responsible for 38% of fatal collisions.

Also being considered by Mr Poots is a restriction on the number of passengers new drivers are allowed to carry.

Though the road death total was up, 2008 did have the lowest figure on record and the overall trend was a downward one, however per headcount Northern Ireland still has a proportionally higher death rate on the roads than the rest of the UK.

Edwin Poots said: “The number of road deaths revealed today is disheartening. My sincere sympathy goes out to everyone who lost loved ones in collisions in 2009.

“The tragedy is that 115 people just like you and me were going about their normal business, presumably with hope, ambition and enthusiasm for the New Year ahead. But they didn’t get the chance to fulfil their ambitions. The death of each one is tragic and will have brought enormous suffering to their families and friends."

He added: “We will continue our sustained efforts, working in partnership with the PSNI, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Ambulance Service, to deliver a programme of road safety education, engineering and enforcement initiatives.”

“There are still too many people dying needlessly on our roads. We will only see a further reduction in the number of people being killed if we all, whether as drivers, passengers or pedestrians assume personal responsibility for our own safety and the safety of others."

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