Twenty people died in road collisions in Northern Ireland between 1 January and 31 March. The figure marks the highest number for the first three months of a year in 17 years. The last higher total came in 2009 with 21 deaths.

Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson, head of road policing for the Police Service of Northern Ireland, stated that society must take responsibility for driving behaviour to cut deaths and serious injuries. She said road users hold the power to reduce fatalities through lawful driving.

Simpson noted that more than 800 people were detected speeding during severe weather warnings in January and February. Between December 2024 and November 2025, police recorded 559 cases of seatbelts not worn and 1,060 instances of mobile phone use while driving.

Ahead of the Easter holidays, Simpson and Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins issued a joint appeal for motorists to prioritise safety amid expected higher traffic volumes. Simpson highlighted patrols under Operation Livesaver to enforce speed limits across Northern Ireland.

Simpson urged drivers to avoid alcohol or drugs, stay focused, wear seatbelts, obey speed limits and watch for pedestrians and motorcyclists. She called on passengers to report suspected impaired drivers. Kimmins stressed abiding by speed limits, avoiding drugs, alcohol and phone use to prevent grief from road deaths.

Police plan increased patrols over Easter to address the main causes of road fatalities.