Police urge caution as death toll rises

Superintendent Muir Clark, Head of Road Policing said: “Four people have died on our roads in a short time. Four lives lost, but sadly many more will be affected by these tragedies.

“During the last two weeks of April last year, nine people lost their lives on roads in Northern Ireland. We must all work together to ensure that history is not repeated.

“Things can go wrong incredibly quickly when people make the wrong decision on the roads. Considering that excessive speed for the conditions is the single biggest killer of people on Northern Ireland roads, the onus really is on drivers and motorcyclists. If you remove speed from the equation, more people live. It’s that simple.

“Police are doing our part. We will have road policing officers on duty across Northern Ireland, targeting people who drive with no regard for the safety of others.

“Road users need to be patient and plan their journey to ensure they get to their destination on time, without resorting to careless or reckless driving. One driver’s stupidity can result in other peoples sorrow. It continues to amaze me that some motorists persist in disregarding the basic rules of road safety.

“The message from police is clear. Slow down, wear your seatbelt, pay greater attention to the road and never, ever drink or take drugs and drive.