How many people died on Northern Ireland's roads in 2025?

In 2025, 56 people died on Northern Ireland's roads.

Where do most fatal road incidents occur in Northern Ireland?

The majority of fatalities and killed and seriously injured incidents occur on rural roads, accounting for 75%.

What reforms are being considered for road safety in Northern Ireland?

Reforms include potential speed limit changes, such as introducing 20mph zones, and driving licence reforms.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / 56 Lives Lost: Northern Ireland's Road Safety Crisis

56 Lives Lost: Northern Ireland's Road Safety Crisis

27 Jan

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Summary

Tragic road deaths of Jaidyn Rice and Lucas Trainor occurred on the same night.
Northern Ireland saw 56 road fatalities in 2025, a decrease from previous years.
75% of fatalities and serious injuries occur on rural roads in Northern Ireland.

56 Lives Lost: Northern Ireland's Road Safety Crisis

Northern Ireland experienced 56 road fatalities in 2025, a decrease from 69 in 2024 and 71 in 2023. Two of these lives were tragically lost on the same night: 16-year-old Jaidyn Rice in Bangor and 12-year-old Lucas Trainor in Portaferry. These incidents underscore the ongoing road safety challenges faced by the region.

Despite a reduction in overall deaths, a worrying trend of increased serious injuries persists. In 2024, 1,008 individuals were killed or seriously injured, an increase from previous years. Police statistics reveal that 75% of these incidents occur on rural roads, highlighting a critical area for intervention.

Authorities are actively exploring solutions, including potential speed limit changes and driving licence reforms. The Department for Infrastructure has proposed introducing 20mph zones in areas currently capped at 30mph. The PSNI emphasizes the need for behavioral changes across all age groups of drivers and vulnerable road users.