In 2010, 106 people aged 65 and above were killed or seriously injured on our roads, including 26 pedestrians.

Minister Attwood said: ‘These are chilling statistics. We know that older people are one of the most at risk groups on our roads and that they are particularly vulnerable when out walking. Improving their safety is a priority for my Department and a key part of Northern Ireland’s Road Safety Strategy to 2020, which recognises that older people will form an increasing proportion of the population here in the years ahead."

The survey aims to investigate the main causes of, and factors contributing to, road collisions involving older people.

Inviting all road users to fill in a survey which is available online or that can be posted out, the Minister added: "I value the views of the whole community and would encourage everyone, not only older people, to take part in this important research. This is part of an ongoing project which will help us to better understand the issues involved and develop new ways to tackle them."

The survey will run until the end of February 2012 and can be accessed at the