Road deaths in Northern Ireland have reached their highest total in almost ten years, it was revealed tonight.
Last year, 171 people lost their lives on the North's roads, an increase of 30 on the previous year and the highest since 1991.
This was in spite of high profile advertising campaigns, graphically showing the effects of speeding and drink-driving.
Stormont Environment Minister Sam Foster said that attitudes must change among Northern Ireland's drivers to cut the continuing carnage.
Speaking on the day after 13-year-old Joseph Anthony McKernan became Northern Ireland's latest road victim, Mr Foster asked how many people with hope, ambition and enthusiasm for the year ahead would perish.
"Attitudes must change. Quite simply, all who use the roads have got to drive with care and consideration," he said.
"They must realise the fact that speeding kills, drinking and driving kills, not wearing a seatbelt kills and crossing the road without due care and attention kills."
Chief Superintendent Terry Houston, head of the Royal Ulster Constabulary's Roads Policing Development Branch, described last year's death toll as "horrendous".
He said the RUC and its partners in road safety would continue to press home the messages about drink-driving, speeding, using seatbelts and proper maintenance of vehicles.
"As we move into the new year we must all redouble our efforts to bring this carnage to an end. Every single one of us has a part to play and we in the RUC will not shrink from our responsibilities," he said.
"But make no mistake about it, we will also vigorously pursue those irresponsible road users who choose to ignore these messages and put their own lives and the lives of others at risk," he added.
PA
