“Let’s focus on road safety to save lives in 2026,” says Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has urged the public to make road safety a priority in 2026 following the release of provisional figures showing that 57 people lost their lives on Northern Ireland’s roads in 2025.

The latest data, published by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), highlights a decrease on the 69 fatalities recorded in 2024 and the 71 deaths in 2023. However, the figures also reveal deeply concerning trends involving vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians and older people.

Reflecting on the human toll behind the statistics, 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 the new year begins, she called on all road users to commit to safer behaviour:

“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.”

Human Error a Key Factor

According to the Department for Infrastructure, evidence continues to show that human behaviour remains the leading cause of serious road collisions.

Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins

Minister Kimmins emphasised:

“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.”

Vulnerable Road Users Most Affected

One of the most troubling aspects of the 2025 figures is the sharp rise in pedestrian deaths. Sixteen pedestrians were killed on Northern Ireland’s roads last year, with more than half aged 65 or over.

Minister Kimmins described the situation as “particularly shocking”, adding:

“Sixteen pedestrians were killed on our roads in 2025, and nine of those were aged 65 or over.”

With darker winter evenings continuing into early 2026, she appealed for extra vigilance:

“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.”

She also urged caution for all non-motorised road users:

“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.”

Police Appeal: Remember the ‘Fatal Five’

PSNI Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson

Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson from the PSNI’s Operational Support Department echoed the Minister’s call, stressing the devastating impact on families.

He said:

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

While enforcement remains a priority, he highlighted the role of individual responsibility:

“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.”

Chief Superintendent Donaldson urged drivers to remember the “fatal five”:

“Every single one of us has a responsibility to keep ourselves and other road users safe… 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.”

Key Road Safety Statistics (Provisional)

Road deaths (up to 11.59pm on 30 December 2025):

• 2025: 57 fatalities

• 2024: 69 fatalities

• 2023: 71 fatalities

Serious injuries (1 January – 30 September 2025):

• 751 people seriously injured, up from 653 during the same period in 2024

• Increase: 98 additional serious injuries

• 4,961 people slightly injured

• Total fatalities during this period were down by 10 compared to 2024

Pedestrian KSIs (Killed or Seriously Injured):

• Increased by 36 cases between January–September 2024 and the same period in 2025

• Represents a 34% increase

Highest monthly death toll in 2025:

• November – 9 fatalities

Road User Fatalities in 2025 (By Category)

• Pedestrians: 16

• Drivers: 18

• Passengers: 13

• Motorcyclists: 6

• Pedal cyclists: 1

• Other road users: 3

• Pillion passengers: 0

• Total: 57

Children and Older People

• Three child fatalities (under 16) recorded in 2025

• Zero child fatalities in 2024

• Three child fatalities in 2023

• Older pedestrian deaths (65+):

  
  

  • 2025: 9

  • 2024: 2

  • 2023: 4

Leading Causes of Serious Collisions

The most common principal causation factors for KSI casualties between 1 January and 30 September 2025 were:

• Inattention or attention diverted: 79 cases

• Wrong course or road position: 72 cases

• Impairment by drugs or alcohol (driver/rider): 63 cases

Ongoing Road Safety Efforts

The Department for Infrastructure confirmed it continues to work closely with the PSNI, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, the Ambulance Service and other partners to deliver road safety education, engineering improvements and enforcement initiatives.

Concluding her appeal, Minister Kimmins said:

“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.”

Final confirmed figures for 2025 will be published by the PSNI in spring 2026.