Road Deaths Reach 17-Year High in First Quarter
The number of fatalities resulting from road traffic collisions during the first three months of this year has reached its highest level in 17 years.
Between 1 January and 31 March, twenty people lost their lives on the roads.
The last time the death toll was this high for the same period was in 2009, when 21 deaths were recorded.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) head of road policing highlighted the impact on families, stating that "this year alone, 20 families are now living without a loved one."
"Everyone believes they won't be affected but this year alone, 20 families are now living without a loved one," said Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson.
Speaking to NI, Ch Insp Celeste Simpson emphasised that reducing road fatalities requires collective responsibility.
"We as a society take full responsibility for how we are driving," she said. "We need people to actually understand that the power to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads actually rests with them."
"Driving behaviours need to change. It is the responsibility of road users to make sure that they are driving lawfully on the roads."
Over 800 Motorists Caught Speeding Amid Severe Weather
At a road safety facility in east Belfast, Simpson revealed that more than 800 motorists were caught speeding during severe weather warnings in January and February.
Between December 2024 and November 2025, the PSNI also recorded 559 detections for seatbelt offences and 1,060 drivers caught using mobile phones while driving.
When asked about the PSNI's capacity to manage road safety amid resource pressures, Simpson stressed that societal responsibility is crucial.
"My teams and districts maximise our chance of being visible on the road to ensure we are out there detecting and enforcing the Road Traffic Act," she said.
"Speed is something that can be fatal and I make no apologies for making sure my officers are out there detecting speed."
Simpson urged the public to reflect on their behaviour and choices on the road.
"A choice can be selfish and can result in a fatality."
Calls to Address Rising Road Deaths Ahead of Easter
In a road safety appeal ahead of the Easter holidays, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins expressed concern over the increasing number of road deaths.
"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."
