ALMOST 15,000 people have been killed on roads in Northern Ireland since records began.
Fatalities have been collated since 1931 with 14,767 road deaths recorded in the north - including 61 fatalities this year alone.
Road deaths have only been recorded in the Republic since 1959 with figures showing there have been 23,752 fatalities.
In recent years deaths on the roads have continued to fall due to high profile road safety campaign,s however campaigners say that more needs to be done.
In the latest accident yesterday a man was seriously injured when he was struck by a car while walking in Newtownards, Co Down.
The victim, aged in his 30s, was hit by a car on the Belfast Road at around 8am.
All those who have died in road traffic collisions will be remembered on the World Day of Remembrance on Sunday.
Stormont Environment Minister Mark H Durkan, whose own family was devastated by the loss of his sister in a car crash in 2000, said road deaths do not discriminate.
"Many generations and thousands of families in the north, including my own, have been devastated by the grief of loss and the heartache of road tragedy," he said.
"Almost 15,000 people, just like you and me, have lost their lives.
"We must do everything possible to prevent this loss and suffering touching any more lives."
He added: "The certainty of the unexpected means that it is crucial to reduce speed, wear seatbelts and eliminate high risk behaviours.
"I am fully committed to improving safety for all road users. I firmly believe that by working together, we can rise to the challenge of making our roads safer for everyone."
Liz O'Donnell, chairperson the Republic's Road Safety Authority, said: "World Day of Remembrance reminds us how easily tragedy can happen but by making small changes to our behaviour on the roads, we can all help to prevent future tragedy".
Garda Commissioner Noirín O’Sullivan also said that "this Sunday gives us all an opportunity to reflect on our behaviour on the roads".
"What someone might perceive as a small risk could have catastrophic consequences for someone else, so we would urge everyone to look at their actions on the roads and make every effort to be a better, safer driver," she said.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: "Behind each of these statistics are family and friends who have been affected and we must remember them.
"This Sunday provides us with an opportunity to remember all those people who have lost their lives on our roads."
