Northern Ireland has recorded its biggest increase in the number of accidental deaths, which have soared by over 50% over the last decade, according to a new report.
The 56% surge marks the second highest rise among UK regions, with the rate of road deaths here more than a third (34%) higher than the country as a whole.
New data published by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) shows the rate of accidental deaths per 100,000 people now stands at 36, with 688 fatalities recorded in 2022.
The rate of non-transport-related fatal accidents in Northern Ireland is 13% higher than in the UK as a whole.
Falls are the largest cause of accidental deaths here and account for 37% of them.
The rate of transport-related deaths here is 34% higher than the UK’s overall rate.
Pedestrians here are particularly vulnerable as they are 142% more likely to be killed on the roads than anywhere else in the UK.
However, when compared to just England, the rate of accidental pedestrian deaths in NI is even higher — 175% more.
The rate of accidental deaths of car occupants is 88% higher in NI than in the UK as a whole, with cyclists facing a similar risk (83% higher).
Motorcyclists here are 20% more likely to be killed.
RoSPA, which has just launched its ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’ campaign, has called on the UK Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS.
Its director of policy, campaigns and public affairs warned that NI is “facing an accident crisis”, with residents here “substantially more likely to suffer a serious accident today than they were 20 years ago”.
Steve Cole said: “We must take action now to stop further preventable deaths and serious injuries. Accidents are avoidable and do not need to happen.
“Even those who have never been involved in an accident are still suffering, as increasing numbers of accidents are choking the UK economy and engulfing the NHS, taking up bed space, money, time and resources that could be directed to other serious illnesses.
“Our new report, revealing the growing numbers and types of fatal and life-changing accidents across the UK, unveils a new public health scandal.”
Drownings accounted for 2% of all accidental deaths in NI last year, although the risk is 71% higher in the region.
People here are 66% less likely to die as a result of crushing, striking and encounters with heavy machinery.
The rate of accidental poisonings is also lower in NI, although it still accounted for a fifth of accidental deaths last year.
Mr Cole said a new joined-up strategy will allow for problems to be tackled at their core.
“We are calling for a National Accident Prevention Strategy to make Northern Ireland a safer place to live,” he added.
Accidents cost the UK £12bn each year, which includes £6bn in NHS bills and £5.9bn in lost working days.
The overall accidental death rate in NI is currently 14% higher than the overall UK figure and 23% higher than the rate in England.
Scotland recorded the greatest increase (57%) in accidental deaths between 2013 and 2022 with 2,677 fatalities, equating to 49 per 100,000.
Wales saw the third biggest spike (41%) with 1,206, while England saw a 40% surge, bringing the number of deaths there to 16,765 in 2022 — proportionate to 29 and 39 deaths per 100,000 respectively.
All 21,336 fatalities mark a 42% increase across the entire UK since 2013, with a national average of 32 deaths for every 100,000 people.