'Shocking' death toll on NI roads

Forty-two people have died so far this year on the roads in Northern Ireland.

This is the equivalent of three deaths a week. The figures compare to 33 deaths at this time last year.

The statistics do not include the deaths of a father and stepson from County Tyrone, who were killed in the Irish Republic on Monday.

The increase in road fatalities has prompted concern among community leaders and the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

Speeding commonplace

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster, Inspector Brian Key from the RUC's Traffic Policy Department said the death toll was too high.

"There are many factors which are causing far too many deaths on the roads of Northern Ireland.

"Certainly speed is a major concern. Speed is killing far too many people daily.

"While many people realise it's folly to drink and drive, many people, far too many people, feel that speeding is okay and quite clearly it's not okay."

Young drivers

Inspector Key said the accident rate among young people was especially worrying.

"The casualty figures would indicate there is a problem with young drivers and young male drivers in particular.

"Recent advertising campaigns have been targetting young drivers to get them to regulate their behaviour."

President of the Northern Ireland Road Safety Council Ronnie Troughton said learning to drive was not just about skill.

"Many young drivers are very good car drivers, but they're not good road drivers.

"This is something I say to them frequently.

"I think this is where we've fallen down a lot in the past.

"We put a lot of emphasis on skills training in driving.

"The skill is very important, but now driving is all about decision making.

"Unfortunately when you get that decision wrong it can often end up in a terrible tragedy."

Community mourns

On Wednesday the village of Aughnacloy, County Tyrone, buried 37-year-old Ian Morrison and his 10-year-old stepson Darren.

They were killed in County Monaghan in the Republic when their car was in collision with a lorry.

Councillor for the area Jim Hamilton said the community was in shock.

He said the rise in deaths on the roads in Northern Ireland was worrying.

"I don't know whether we can put it down just to young drivers and their fast cars that they're purchasing nowadays with free insurance.

"It's a problem and I know in this area the RUC is trying to curtail the speed and is keep surveillance around the area and the A4."