In 2025, there were 56 deaths on Northern Ireland’s roads; 16 of these deaths were pedestrians; nine of these pedestrians were aged over 65 years of age.
These stark figures and the human tragedies behind the figures, are the focus of a new safety video produced by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council.
The video – which was a joint project between ABC Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and ABC Age Friendly – aims to prevent further deaths through safety awareness.
Ahead of its publication on social media, the short film was launched at the Keep Safe Keep Well event at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, which provided a wide range of safety information for older residents and featured key service providers covering a range of important topics including scams, fire safety, and road safety.
The two-minute presentation features Stephanie Rock, ABC Age Friendly Officer, who outlined the impacts of reduced mobility, hearing and eyesight which can affect older people when crossing roads. One of the key messages, said Stephanie, was to ‘Stop, Look and Listen’ before crossing roads.
Constable Cassells, PSNI Road Education Officer, said it was important to realise that, “something as ordinary as crossing the road can carry life-or-death consequences”.
Local lorry driving instructor, Ken Irwin took part in the video to explain how visibility can be reduced in larger vehicles and said pedestrians should ensure they are seen by the drivers of these vehicles.
Gwen Bartley who is a PCSP Coordinator said she hoped family and friends of older residents could share the video, and help spread the important safety messages.
“With more and more traffic, crossing the roads can be challenging for anyone. And for some older residents the risks can be even greater and that is why we have produced this video, to highlight the dangers and also how to keep safe,” said Gwen.
To watch the video – which also features Claire McCartan and David Hammerton from the ABC Seniors Network – please visit ABC Council’s Facebook and Instagram social media pages and also the ABC PCSP Facebook page.
