Following a devastating weekend on Northern Ireland's roads, the Stormont executive and police have issued a joint appeal for safer driving. Five people lost their lives in road traffic collisions over the weekend, bringing the total number of road fatalities for 2026 to 29—double the figure recorded at the same time last year.
Joint Press Conference in Belfast
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones addressed the media at a press conference held at Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) headquarters in east Belfast on Wednesday afternoon. They urged all road users to exercise greater caution, especially ahead of the upcoming bank holiday weekend.
Ms Kimmins described the weekend as "horrendous" and "catastrophic", noting that families have been left shattered by the sudden loss of loved ones, while others are coming to terms with life-changing injuries. She emphasised that 29 people have died in just four months, meaning on average a life is lost every four days.
Minister's Appeal
"We are 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," Ms Kimmins said. "As we head into the bank holiday weekend, my appeal is for everyone to take extra care: control your speed, put your phone away, never drink or take drugs and get behind the wheel, don't get distracted, and always wear your seatbelt."
Police Concerns
Assistant Chief Constable Jones highlighted that the spike in deaths follows a period of improvement and a slight decline in recent years. She described the weekend as "catastrophic", with five deaths in four separate collisions within 24 hours, along with other life-changing injuries.
"These deaths are a stark and cruel reminder of the very real dangers on our roads," she said. "So far this year, 29 people have lost their lives—the equivalent of a whole classroom of students. That means 29 families whose lives have been changed in an instant, forever."
With the first May bank holiday and the North West 200 event in Portrush next week, Ms Jones warned of increased traffic and urged everyone to be safe. She called for a change in societal attitudes, stating that all incidents are preventable if everyone takes responsibility for their choices on the road.
Fatal Five Focus
Ms Jones confirmed that there will be a visible police presence on the roads this weekend, focusing on what is known as the "fatal five": drink and drug driving, speeding, use of mobile phones, not wearing seatbelts, and inattention or poor decision-making by drivers.
"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.
