Northern Ireland hotspots for road accidents involving pedestrians

New figures have revealed that nearly 900 pedestrians were killed or injured in road traffic accidents on Northern Ireland’s roads over a period spanning five years.

The report by the Department for Infrastructure and incorporating information from the PSNI’s Road Traffic Collision statistics revealed that, from 2013 to 2017, pedestrians accounted for 22% of all road user casualties.

The report also identified exactly which of the country’s roads are most dangerous for pedestrians.

Four ‘hotspots’ for road traffic accidents involving pedestrians were highlighted, with three being in the centre of Belfast; Great Victoria Street, outside the train station at Lanyon Place (previously Belfast Central station), and on the Ormeau Road. The fourth location was identified as being at Great James Street in Derry/Londonderry.

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns at the road safety charity Brake, described the findings as “deeply concerning”.

He went on to say that, “getting around in a safe, healthy way is everyone’s human right and we must design our streets with this in mind.”

“Reducing vehicle speed is key to road safety, giving drivers more time and opportunity to brake to avoid a collision, and so we urge the introduction of default 20mph limits in urban areas and a review of rural road speed limits.”

The findings were also released on the same day as the Travel Survey for Northern Ireland revealed that 79% of people feel unsafe when out for a walk.

If you have suffered injury or loss as a result of a road traffic accident in Northern Ireland and want to speak to a compensation claims solicitor in Belfast, click here and a member of our team in will be in touch at a time of your convenience.