The PSNI have issued a road safety appeal following reports of a year-on-year rise in the number of deaths on Northern Ireland’s roads.

So far this year, 16 people have died on the roads – with half of those killed being pedestrians.

Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson said: “Tragically, 16 people have already lost their lives on our roads this year. That is six more compared to the same time period last year.

“Eight of those people killed in road traffic collisions on roads across Northern Ireland were pedestrians.

“I am asking everyone to stop and think about this figure for a moment. These figures are not just statistics.

“Every time you hear about a fatal or serious collision on the news, there is a family, a circle of friends, a community plunged into mourning.

“Many other people have suffered serious and sometime life-changing injuries.”

Continuing, he said: “With longer hours of daylight, more people are out and about, pedestrians, cyclists and all other road users.

“It’s also a busy time for farms, with more agricultural machinery on the move. So it is critically important that everyone refocuses their attention on road safety.

“Road users should keep an eye out for increased numbers of pedestrians using or crossing roads, particularly close to parks and leisure amenities, in addition to junctions and bus stops and in particular, on rural roads, day and night.

“Pedestrians must pay attention to their environment, whether that means not getting distracted by friends or mobile devices, or being especially careful when walking on country roads by walking against the traffic flow, and by wearing highly-visible clothing.”

Looking to other vehicles such as motorbikes and farm machinery, Chief Superintendent Donaldson said: “With the longer hours of daylight, we are also seeing greater numbers of motorcyclists returning to the roads.

“Bikers should ensure their machines and safety equipment are in good working order and that they ride defensively.

“In addition, drivers need to be alert to the presence of motorcyclists using the road network, particularly when emerging from and turning into junctions.

“All other road users, particularly those using country roads, need to ensure they drive at an appropriate speed to give them enough time to react to any slower-moving agricultural vehicles, pay particular attention to width markings and any signals.

“Please take extra care and patience to reduce risk by not making dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.”

Concluding, he said: “We all share the responsibility to prevent deaths and serious injuries on our roads. Never drive after drinking or taking drugs; drive with greater care and attention; always wear a seatbelt, and never use mobile phones while driving.

“Given the recent number of pedestrian deaths, my appeal in particular is to look after yourselves, look after pedestrians and look after others.”