Speeding linked to 297 deaths and serious injuries on Northern Ireland roads, new report finds

A new report published by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has revealed that 297 people were killed or seriously injured (KSI) in road traffic collisions attributed to excessive speed in Northern Ireland between 2019 and 2023.

The findings, detailed in Killed and Seriously Injured (KSI) Casualties caused by Excessive Speed in Northern Ireland 2019–2023, were compiled by the Analysis, Statistics and Research Branch (ASRB).

Young Males Disproportionately Affected

The report paints a sobering picture of the human cost of speeding. Of the 297 casualties, 30 people (10%) lost their lives and 267 (90%) sustained serious injuries. This figure accounts for 7% of all KSI casualties during the five-year period.

Worryingly, the data shows that males accounted for 64% of all speeding-related KSIs, and drivers aged 16 to 24 made up 41% of the total — suggesting young men are particularly at risk.

Additionally, males were responsible for 77% of the KSI collisions caused by speeding, while drivers and riders aged 17 to 24 were behind 43% of such incidents.

Rural Roads and Weekends Pose Greater Risk

The report identifies that 70% of speeding-related KSI collisions occurred on rural roads, underscoring the increased dangers outside urban centres.

Furthermore, nearly two-fifths (37%) of these incidents happened at weekends, and 36% took place between 4pm and 10pm, highlighting key risk periods.

Drivers of cars represented 47% of the KSI casualties due to speeding, pointing to the need for continued behavioural change among everyday motorists.

Geographical Variation in Casualty Rates

There is also significant variation across regions. The Newry, Mourne and Down Local Government District recorded the highest rate of speeding-related KSI casualties, at 6.5 per 100,000 residents.

In stark contrast, Belfast recorded the lowest rate, at 1.0 per 100,000.

Minister Kimmins Calls for Urgent Behavioural Change

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins responded to the publication of the report with a call for urgent and collective action to address speeding on Northern Ireland’s roads.

“Figures released today are a sad and stark reminder to us all of the human cost of speeding,” she said.

“Too many people are affected by serious road traffic collisions in our communities. Sadly, these figures show that young people and males are disproportionately affected — our children, among them our brothers, fathers and sons.

“One of the best ways to fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury by 2050, is by changing road user behaviour. We must all slow down and take better care on our roads.

“Today’s figures are another sad and stark reminder of the importance of reducing our speed as road users because this will in turn help to reduce the number of families devastated by serious road traffic collisions.”

Looking Ahead: Road Safety Strategy to 2030

This latest analysis underlines the urgency of implementing the NI Road Safety Strategy to 2030, which sets a clear objective to reduce KSIs on Northern Ireland’s roads, ultimately aiming to eliminate deaths and serious injuries by 2050.

The report was commissioned by the DfI’s Promotion and Outreach Branch, the analysis supplements the Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy (NIRSS) to 2030 Annual Statistical Report and is available on the ASRB website.

The full report and accompanying statistics can be accessed via the ASRB’s official site at: www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/topics/road-safety.