DfI launches awareness campaign on fitness to drive across Northern Ireland
- Love Ballymena
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has launched a new social media campaign aimed at raising public awareness around fitness to drive, encouraging drivers to take greater personal responsibility for their health and its impact on road safety.
Under the banner ‘Keep Yourself Right’, the campaign provides practical information for drivers on what to do if they experience a medical condition or vision issues that may affect their ability to drive safely.
It also serves as a timely reminder to ensure that all driving licence details are accurate and up to date, particularly for those aged over 70, who are subject to specific renewal requirements.
A second key strand of the campaign, titled ‘Time to Talk’, calls on the public to speak up if they have genuine concerns about someone else’s ability to drive safely due to health conditions or other issues.
Minister Kimmins: “We must take personal responsibility on the roads”
Officially launching the campaign, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said the initiative is grounded in the urgent need to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on Northern Ireland’s roads.
“Sadly too many people are killed and seriously injured on our roads every year. This campaign is a reminder to us all to keep ourselves and others safe on the roads by making sure we follow the appropriate steps in the event of illness or eyesight issues.”
Minister Kimmins also highlighted the importance of community vigilance and honest dialogue when safety is in question:
“It also signposts us to the steps we can take if we have concerns about somebody else’s driving by encouraging honest conversations. By taking personal responsibility on the roads, we can all help to make our roads safer.”
The campaign is supported by sobering statistics which reveal that over 95% of road deaths are caused by human error. Minister Kimmins urged the public to acknowledge this reality and change behaviours accordingly:
“The sad reality is that if we do not change our own attitudes when we are using the roads, our death toll will continue to increase.”
Guidance and resources
The campaign provides clear direction on how to report a medical condition, how to renew or apply for a driving licence, and how to raise concerns about another driver. Relevant information can be accessed through the following links:
By making use of these resources and engaging in open, responsible conversations, the DfI hopes this campaign will prompt lasting behavioural change and contribute to a significant reduction in road casualties.
