In an annual road safety appeal, Northern Ireland’s infrastructure minister has encouraged people to spread road safety messaging by talking with family and friends.
Provisional data shows 68 people died in road collisions in Northern Ireland during 2024.
This compares to 71 in 2023.
There were 738 people seriously injured on the country’s roads between 1 January and 30 September 2024. This compares to 708 people for the same period in 2023.
John O’Dowd says he is actively committed to improving road safety in partnership with the police, fire and rescue service, ambulance service and other agencies.
He said: “The death rate on our roads is, on average, one per week. That means every single week, at least one person – a mum, a dad, a son, a daughter, a friend – is not coming home to their family and their loved ones.
“Lives are shattered and will never be the same again.
“We all expect to be safe when using our roads but that isn’t the reality for everyone. We all know what we should do, yet too many people take risks.
“Road traffic collisions are not inevitable. Evidence shows that most road deaths are avoidable, as more than 9 out 10 road deaths are caused by human error, poor decision making. Mainly through careless or inattentive driving, inappropriate speed for the road or the conditions, and drink and drug driving account for most deaths and serious injuries.
“As 2025 begins, I appeal to everyone to think about your behaviour when using the roads. Make a potentially lifesaving choice to be more mindful of others and proceed with care, follow the rules of the road they are there to protect us and help everyone get home safe.
“As we start a new year, the harsh truth is that we all need to wise up when we are using our roads because if we don’t the number of deaths will continue to rise.”
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