A Road Safety Tsar may be needed to halt the North's motoring carnage, a police chief warned today.
With the death toll up 20 per cent this year, the authorities were urged to consider bringing in an expert to reduce the level of tragedies.
The Superintendent's Association of Northern Ireland also called for sentencing and bail conditions to be examined amid concerns that the criminal justice system is too lenient. But the most urgent message at the body's annual conference was for a major review of efforts to stop more people being killed behind the wheel.
This year has seen 50 deaths on the roads, compared with 40 at the same stage 12 months ago.
Chief Superintendent Stephen Grange, President of the Federation, told the conference in Templepatrick, Co Antrim that education and enforcement alone would not change a disturbing culture.
He said: "Too many people, unfortunately young people but not exclusively so, feel it is acceptable to use excessive speed or to take drink and drugs and then drive on our roads. This needs to change.
"Deaths on the roads are the single greatest loss of life in the province. "Perhaps the government should examine having a Road Safety Tsar in the province to give greater direction and leadership and champion this most important work."
Such an appointment could mirror the appointment of veteran broadcaster Gay Byrne to head the Republic's National Safety Council.
With Security Minister Paul Goggins present, Mr Grange also called for the Public Prosecution Service to be held as accountable as the PSNI, and spoke of public shock and condemnation at the level of sentencing and granting of bail by the courts.
"The disparity between sentencing in Great Britain and Northern Ireland is frequently raised as a matter of concern," he said.
"I mentioned the violence meted out to our officers during the public disorder during the summer.
"The question is, will the punishment meted out to those convicted meet the standards set when disorder broke out in Burnley and Bradford in recent years?"
He added: "Prolific or persistent offenders brought before the court are often released on bail conditions that are neither restrictive or enforceable.
"These views are commonly held throughout Northern Ireland and directly impact on the confidence in effective policing. "The question often asked is, do these perceptions actually reflect the reality of sentencing and granting of bail or are they based on myths, hearsay and rumour? Well, let's find out.
"Minister, we would therefore call upon government to initiate an independent review of sentencing and granting of bail in Northern Ireland."
PA