Joint road safety appeal issued ahead of Easter holidays

Ahead of the Easter holidays, The Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Minister for Infrastructure have issued a joint appeal to all motorists and road users to pay particular attention to road safety - their own safety and the safety of all other road users. 

With increased volumes of traffic expected on the roads and people travelling, socialising and attending events with friends and loved ones, road users are being urged to play their part in keeping themselves and others safe. 

"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,” says Head of Road Policing, Chief Inspector Simpson.

"Our roads are a shared space and it's crucial we all work together to reduce risk taking and poor behaviour on our roads. To all drivers, we are appealing to you to work with us to help make our roads safer for everyone. Our officers will be on patrol during this period to increase road safety and tackle the Fatal Five, the main reasons people are dying on our roads.

“Take a few minutes before you drive off and think about how you want your car journey to end.

READ NEXT: Suspended sentence for disorderly behaviour in Derry hospital

"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."

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins 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. As Minister, I want to do all I can to ensure everyone who uses our roads, does so safely.

"I urge all of us to remain focused when using the roads, abide by the speed limits, never take drugs or alcohol before driving and ignore the mobile phone.  Making these changes will make a significant difference to all our safety.

"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.”

Chief Inspector Simpson says speed enforcement, in particular, will continue across Northern Ireland with Operation Livesaver patrols.  

“You are responsible for your speed, your focus on the road, your decision to get behind after taking a drink or consuming drugs,” says Chief Inspector Simpson.

"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.

"Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; slowing down and not exceeding the posted speed limit and driving appropriate to the road conditions. Don’t be careless - keep your attention and focus on the road at all times. Anything less can be fatal.

Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson

"Always wear your seatbelt. We made 559 detections for seatbelts not being worn between December 2024 and November 2025. That is unacceptable because it only takes a few seconds to secure your own safety and that of your passengers.

"Never use your mobile phone or any device that distracts you while driving. The phone call can wait, yet shockingly, too many drivers are ignoring the warning. Between December 2024 and November 2025, 1,060 drivers were detected using their phone behind the wheel on our roads. There’s no excuse for this.”

Drivers are also urged to look out for pedestrians and motorcyclists on the roads.

“At this time of the year, there are more motorcyclists and, unlike people travelling in vehicles, they have a lot less protection when they’re involved in a collision,” says Chief Inspector Simpson.

“To motorcyclists, please drive carefully. Drive to suit the weather conditions and always be aware of and respect other road users. If you’re taking the bike out for the first time in a while ensure your motorcycle and safety equipment are in good working order. Take the time to bike safely, to protect you and all other road users."

Chief Inspector Simpson added: "We all share the responsibility to prevent and reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. Let’s all work together and make the journey, and that of all road users, a safe one.”