Almost 70 killed and more than 900 hurt on Northern Ireland’s roads last year

Almost 70 people were killed on Northern Ireland’s roads last year Picture@ Liam McBurney/PA

Almost 70 people were killed and a further 939 seriously hurt in crashes on Northern Ireland’s roads last year, figures have revealed.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins expressed her concern at the numbers and issued an appeal for drivers to take care on the roads this bank holiday weekend.

This year’s Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy to 2030 annual statistical report confirmed there were 69 fatalities in road traffic collisions in 2024, and 939 people seriously injured.

The figures represented a slight decrease in the number of roads death in 2023 (71), but an increase in injuries from 880 in 2023.

The figures also include 93 children, aged to 15 years, who were killed or seriously injured on the roads in 2024, up from 83 in 2023.

Ms Kimmins said on average, there is a road death every week, and too many families are being shattered by the devastation.

“Far too many lives being lost and too many families whose lives are shattered by the worst possible news,” she said.

“The annual statistical report highlights the many terrible losses and serious injuries suffered on our roads in 2024, including the loss of children and young people, our elderly and 48 deaths on rural roads alone.”

Ms Kimmins said her department is working hard on a number of road safety measures to help improve these statistics.

“But, this weekend, I would appeal to everyone to be responsible when on the roads,” she said.

“We need to have honest conversations about our personal responsibility on the road and the things we can all do to keep ourselves and others safe.

“Take your time on your journey to ensure you arrive at your destination safely.”