‘Let’s focus on road safety to save lives in 2026’ – Kimmins

Date published: 2 January 2026

Minister Kimmins made the appeal as provisional figures released by the PSNI today show that 57 people died as a result of road traffic collisions in 2025.

Sixty nine people lost their lives on the roads in 2024.

Reflecting on the loss of life, Minister Kimmins said: 

“I wish to offer my sincere sympathies to all those who have lost loved ones and to those who endure life-changing injuries through road collisions.

“As we start a new year, I would urge everyone to resolve to have a greater focus on road safety, so we can prevent collisions and save lives.

“We all share the responsibility for road safety as evidence shows that more than nine in ten deaths and serious injuries are due to human error. So if you are driving, slow down; pay attention and look out for other road users; leave the mobile phone alone; always wear a seatbelt and NEVER ever drink or take drugs and drive.”

Continuing Minister Kimmins said: 

“What is particularly shocking this year is the high number of deaths of some of the most vulnerable road users. Sixteen pedestrians were killed on our roads in 2025, and nine of those were aged 65 or over.

“As we go into 2026 and the dark winter nights continue can we all as drivers look out for people walking, especially older people who may be more vulnerable on our roads. If you are walking, whether using a footpath, walking along a country road or simply crossing the road, please always be aware of your surroundings. And if you are a cyclist or motorcyclist, please ensure you put your safety first.

“However we choose to travel, each one of us has a responsibility to ourselves and others to do so safely. By each and every road user taking personal responsibility, we could see a reduction in the number of people being killed or seriously injured.”

The Department for Infrastructure is actively committed to improving safety on our roads and continue to work closely with our road safety partners in the PSNI, the Fire and Rescue Service, the Ambulance Service and many other agencies to deliver a programme of road safety education, engineering and enforcement initiatives.

Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Operational Support Department said: 

“We do not want to see any more families lose a loved one on our roads and suffer unimaginable heartache.

“As a Police Service, we will continue to do all we can to make our roads safer for everyone, but we also need all road users to play their part.

“Every single one of us has a responsibility to keep ourselves and other road users safe. Our roads are such busy places for drivers, pedestrians and other users. Our appeal is remember the fatal five and how they have no place for when you get behind the wheel of a vehicle - don’t drink or take drugs and drive; slow down; don’t be careless; always wear your seat belt and never use your mobile phone while driving.”