Latest road carnage sees north’s traffic fatalities rise by almost 30% on 2022

Drivers have been urged slow down and to stay away from mobile devices while behind the wheel as the north witnessed a sharp increase in the number of road deaths this year.

In the past 12 months 70 people have been killed on the region's roads, an almost 30% increase on the number of fatalities in 2022.

The latest victim was named locally as father-of-four Darren Rooney, a pedestrian aged in his forties, who died after being struck grey coloured Audi A4 on the Hilltown Road in Mayobridge, Co Down.

Police said a report of a collision was received shortly after 6am on Friday.

They said Mr Rooney passed away at the scene.

South Down MP Chris Hazzard extended his condolences to the man's family and friends.

"This is a tragedy which will be deeply felt within the local community and I know that everyone will rally around to support those affected in what will be difficult days ahead," the Sinn Fein representative said.

Newry independent councillor Jarleth Tinnelly described the victim as a "hard-working family man and devoted daddy to four young children".

Mr Tinnelly said had spoken to the deceased, who is originally from Rostrevor, last Tuesday at the Ulster Minor GAA Championship semi-final in Belfast.

"I know everyone in Rostrevor and Mayobridge will join me in sending sincere and heartfelt condolences to Darren's partner, his young children, his mother Teresa, brothers Gary and Conor, and the wider Rooney and Morgan families at this desperately sad time," he said.

Mr Rooney's death came a matter of hours after a 21-year-old woman died in a single-vehicle crash in Aghadowey, Co Derry.

Lydia Ross, who was from the Ballymoney area, sustained serious injuries in the crash in the Curragh Road area shortly after 10.15pm on Thursday.

She was taken to hospital for treatment but died from her injuries.

Her father, Paul Ross, posted an emotional tribute to his daughter, a Ballymena United fan, on X, including a picture of the pair at the team's St Stephen's Day clash with rivals Coleraine.

Last night our beautiful daughter Princess Lydia was killed in a car accident , words can't describe how we are feeling , my match going companion with Ballymena United every Saturday , this was our last selfie on Boxing Day #cosb pic.twitter.com/pIQXwD1F9d[1][2]

"Last night our beautiful daughter Princess Lydia was killed in a car accident," he said.

"Words can't describe how we are feeling , my match going companion with Ballymena United every Saturday - this was our last selfie on Boxing Day."

In a statement, Ballymena United expressed shock and sadness.

"Lydia was a well-known and committed Sky Blue who attended faithfully along with her father Paul, also very well and widely known not only at the showgrounds but also in wider football and community circles as you will have seen by the widespread condolences on X," the statement said.

Ms Ross's death came within 24 hours of police confirming the death of a teenager who was involved in a road traffic collision in north Belfast last week.

Caolan McCormick (18) died after an incident involving a car and a motorcycle on the Antrim Road at about 9:20pm on 22 December on Antrim Road.

The former St Malachy's College pupil is survived by his parents Jim and Orla, and siblings Naoise, Tiarnan and Siofra.

His Requiem Mass will take place at 11.30am on Tuesday January 2 at St Therese of Lisieux Church, Somerton Road, with funeral afterwards at Crumlin Cemetery.

Reflecting on the loss of life on the region's roads this year, Department for Infrastructure permanent secretary Denis McMahon said he wanted to offer his sincere sympathies to all those who have lost loved ones and to those who endured life-changing injuries as a result of road collisions.

"Evidence shows that most road deaths are avoidable, as more than nine in ten deaths and serious injuries are due to human error," he said.

"We all share the responsibility for road safety, so if you are driving, slow down; pay attention and look out for other road users; leave the mobile phone alone; always wear a seatbelt and never ever drink or take drugs and drive."

Mr McMahon said he found the high number of deaths among vulnerable road users particularly shocking.

He highlighted how this year's road death toll included 13 motorcyclists and 20 pedestrians, close to half the number killed.

"If you are a driver help protect more vulnerable road users by slowing down and paying attention," he said.

"If you are walking please always be aware of your surroundings and if walking at night please ensure you can be seen, and if you are a cyclist or motorcyclist, please ensure you put your safety first."

PSNI Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson described the number of fatalities as "simply horrific".

"Reducing deaths and serious injury on our roads is a priority for us and we hope that our new initiative which highlights that people who sadly die on our roads are more than just a statistic, will offer people the guidance and information they need to ensure they always reach their destination safely," he said.

References

1. ^ #cosb (twitter.com)
2. ^ pic.twitter.com/pIQXwD1F9d (t.co)
3. ^ December 29, 2023 (twitter.com)