Minister urges road safety ahead of Bank Holiday as latest figures reveal 69 deaths in 2024

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has appealed to motorists to put safety first over the Bank Holiday weekend, as the latest Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy (NIRSS) report highlights stark figures from 2024.

The NIRSS to 2030 Annual Statistical Report 2025, published today, confirms that 69 people lost their lives on Northern Ireland’s roads last year, with a further 939 seriously injured.

The Minister warned that the statistics underline the continuing human cost of collisions and called on all road users to take personal responsibility when travelling.

“Many of us will be on the roads over the long weekend, making the most of the Bank Holiday before schools make a full return,” she said.

“In the North, the death rate on our roads is, on average, one per week. Far too many lives being lost and too many families whose lives are shattered by the worst possible news.

“The annual statistical report highlights the many terrible losses and serious injuries suffered on our roads in 2024, including the loss of children and young people, our elderly and 48 deaths on rural roads alone.”

Ms Kimmins said her Department was working on a range of safety measures to improve outcomes, but urged drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike to reflect on their own role in preventing tragedy.

“My Department is working hard on a number of road safety measures to help improve these statistics but this weekend I would appeal to everyone to be responsible when on the roads.

“We need to have honest conversations about our personal responsibility on the road and the things we can all do to keep ourselves and others safe.

“Take your time on your journey to ensure you arrive at your destination safely.”

The report also tracks performance against the targets and key indicators set out in the Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy to 2030, launched in September 2024.

With the busy Bank Holiday weekend expected to bring increased traffic, the Minister’s message is clear: lives can be saved through safer driving choices.