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Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has urged the public to focus on road safety as 2026 gets under way, after provisional figures released by the PSNI showed that 57 people died as a result of road traffic collisions in 2025.
The figure marks a decrease from 2024 when 69 people lost their lives on the roads. However, the Minister expressed particular concern about the high number of deaths among vulnerable road users, with 16 pedestrians killed during 2025, nine of whom were aged 65 or over.
Reflecting on the loss of life, 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 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."
The Minister emphasised that everyone shares responsibility for road safety, noting that evidence shows 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," she said.
Minister Kimmins continued: "What is particularly shocking this year is the high number of deaths of some of the most vulnerable road users. 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. 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."
She added: "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."
Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Operational Support Department said: "We do not want to see any more families lose a loved one on our roads and suffer unimaginable heartache. 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."
He continued: "Every single one of us has a responsibility to keep ourselves and other road users safe. Our roads are such busy places for drivers, pedestrians and other users. Our appeal is remember the fatal five and how they have no place for when you get behind the wheel of a vehicle - 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."
The Department for Infrastructure is actively committed to improving safety on our roads and continues to work closely with road safety partners in the PSNI, the Fire and Rescue Service, the Ambulance Service and many other agencies to deliver a programme of road safety education, engineering and enforcement initiatives.
