Excessive speeding by drivers has become a dangerous problem on Northern Ireland’s roads, greatly endangering the safety of both motorists and pedestrians. Recent reports have shed light on the alarming rates of speeding in residential areas. In this blog, we’ll explore the gravity of the speeding problem in Northern Ireland, highlight some insight from the PSNI, and emphasise the importance of taking legal action if you have been involved in an accident caused by a speeding driver.
Speeding In Northern Ireland: A Grave Concern
A recent report has unveiled concerning statistics regarding speeding in Northern Ireland. Throughout 2022, more than two-thirds of vehicles on built-up roads with a speed limit of up to 40mph were found to exceed the designated limit. Additionally, the latest government data reveals that the proportion of vehicles surpassing the speed limit in non-built-up areas varied across different road types. Dual carriageways witnessed the highest percentage of vehicles exceeding the speed limit at 44%, followed by single carriageways at 27%, and motorways at 22%.
These alarming figures shed light on the grave risks associated with speeding, particularly for pedestrians. At a speed of 35mph, there is a 50% chance of a pedestrian being fatally struck in the event of a collision. This probability significantly rises to 90% at a speed of 40mph. Tragically, in 2022 alone, Northern Ireland recorded 55 road fatalities, marking a devastating increase of five deaths compared to the previous year.
The impact of speeding is further underscored by the staggering number of motoring offenses recorded in 2022. A total of 40,335 offenses were documented on Northern Ireland’s roads, with speeding ranking as the most prevalent violation. Within this category, there were 6,958 instances of speeding detected, representing a 2% increase from the preceding year. Worryingly, speeding has shown an upward trend across all road types since 2014. Single-carriageway speeding witnessed a 5% surge, while built-up roads, dual carriageways, and motorways experienced increases of 3%, 2%, and 1%, respectively. Notably, the proportion of traffic exceeding the speed limit on single-carriageways in 2022 reached its highest point since 2014.
These statistics paint a concerning picture of the state of road safety in Northern Ireland. Urgent measures are clearly required to address the prevalence of speeding and its devastating consequences.
PSNI Warns Against Speeding Dangers
Speaking to BelfastLive, the Head of Roads Policing at the PSNI, Graham Dodds said: “Speed restrictions are not there to inconvenience motorists, they are in place to make our roads safer. All motorists should drive in a responsible way, but if they don’t, then we have a duty to detect and deal with any offences.”
“It is a serious threat to other road users. Speeding causes crashes. In a crash the most vulnerable thing on the road is you. Removing excess speed from the road safety equation should be the easiest thing that every road user can do. If we all stop speeding, more people live. If we all stop speeding, fewer people have to contend with life-changing injuries.”
Here To Help If You’ve Been Injured By A Speeding Driver
If you have been involved in an accident that was not your fault with a driver who was speeding, Paschal O’Hare Personal Injury Solicitors are here for you. We have over 50 years of experience assisting drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and others involved in accidents caused by negligent drivers.
Speaking with one of our personal injury solicitors can make a significant difference for you. Our team will handle all aspects of your claim, from investigating the accident circumstances to negotiating with insurance companies for full and fair compensation. By choosing Paschal O’Hare, you’re choosing experienced solicitors that will help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Paschal O’Hare you’ll receive compassionate support and advice every step of the way. Reach out to our team to discuss your options. We are committed to getting Northern Ireland’s roads safer by holding reckless drivers accountable.
