A joint appeal for safer driving has been issued by Stormont and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) following a “catastrophic” weekend on the region’s roads that claimed five lives.
The deaths bring the total number of road fatalities so far this year to 29, double the 14 recorded during the same period in 2015.
Officials speak out
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones made the joint safety appeal ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
Speaking at a press conference at PSNI headquarters in east Belfast, Ms Kimmins described the weekend as “horrendous”.
“A weekend which has left families absolutely shattered by the shock and the grief of losing their loved one, while others are coming to terms with the injuries that they have sustained,” she said.
“We’re just four months into 2026 and 29 people have died so far, 29 people who set off on an everyday journey which turned out to be their last.”
She noted that, on average, a life has been lost every four days.
Appeal for caution
“As we head into the bank holiday weekend, my appeal is for everyone to take extra care, to control your speed, to put your phone away, never ever drink or take drugs and get behind the wheel, don’t get distracted and always wear your seatbelt,” Ms Kimmins added.
Ms Jones echoed the call, describing the weekend as “catastrophic”.
“Within 24 hours, five people lost their lives in four separate road traffic collisions, and other people received life-changing injuries,” she said.
“These deaths are a stark and cruel reminder of the very real dangers which exist on our roads.”
She highlighted that 29 deaths is equivalent to “a whole classroom of students”, leaving 29 families devastated.
Busy period ahead
With the first May bank holiday and the North West 200 event in Portrush approaching, Ms Jones warned of increased travel.
“Lots of people will be travelling to meet family and friends, and spend some downtime. My appeal is please be safe on our roads.”
She stressed that societal attitudes need to change and that all incidents are preventable if everyone takes responsibility.
Police will maintain a visible presence this weekend, focusing on the “fatal five”: drink and drug driving, speeding, mobile phone use, not wearing seatbelts, and inattention or poor decision-making.
“If we all take personal responsibility and do things a little differently on our roads, they will be a much safer place for everybody,” she concluded.
