Police and DfI issue Easter road safety appeal

The PSNI and Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins have jointly appealed to all road users to prioritise road safety over the Easter period, as figures show 20 people have already lost their lives on Northern Ireland's roads since the start of the year.

With higher traffic volumes expected across the north during the holiday period, the appeal covers what they call 'The Fatal Five' main causes of road deaths, including speed, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use, seatbelt non-compliance and driver distraction.

Head of Road Policing, Chief Inspector Simpson, said: "Since the start of this year, we have lost 20 lives on our roads. This is devastating, with too many lives ruined forever and in an instant."

Chief Inspector Simpson urged drivers to consider the consequences of poor behaviour behind the wheel. "Driving requires your undivided attention. Take your eyes off the road for even a few seconds and it could mean the difference between an enjoyable weekend break and a tragedy you have to live with for the rest of your lives."

PSNI officers will be on patrol throughout the Easter period as part of Operation Livesaver, with a particular focus on speed enforcement. Between December 2024 and November 2025, 1,060 drivers were detected using a mobile phone while driving, and 559 detections were made for seatbelts not being worn. Chief Inspector Simpson described both figures as unacceptable.

On drink and drug driving, Chief Inspector Simpson said: "We continue to detect drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs on our roads in Northern Ireland, and that is really worrying. To passengers, and the public in general, we are urging you to never get in a vehicle if you suspect someone is under the influence, call it out and report it immediately."

Motorcyclists were also specifically mentioned in the appeal, with Chief Inspector Simpson noting that those on bikes have far less protection in the event of a collision. Riders were advised to check their motorcycle and safety equipment are in good working order, particularly if taking the bike out for the first time in some time.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins added her voice to the appeal, calling for broader societal change around road behaviour. She said: "Too many people are dying on our roads, something that has been brought into sharp focus within recent months. We must all do everything we can to ensure no more families are plunged into the unimaginable and life changing grief that road deaths bring to their door."

Minister Kimmins added: "If, as a society, we want to have fewer road deaths, fewer serious injuries caused by collisions we all have a role to play, to help drive real behavioural change on our roads we need a societal conversation about how we all behave when we are travelling."

With Easter travel set to put additional pressure on roads across Northern Ireland, both the PSNI and the Minister are asking every road user to take personal responsibility, slow down, stay focused and make safe choices throughout the Easter break.