Highest number of road deaths in province, says DfI

Highest number of road deaths in province, says DfI

4 June 2025

THE Newry, Mourne and Down Council area has the highest recorded number of people killed or seriously injured in traffic accidents caused by speeding drivers in recent years, new figures have revealed.

Data published by the Department for Infrastructure reveals that province-wide, 30 people were killed and 267 seriously hurt in collisions caused by speeding over a four-year period between 2019 and 2023.

According to the figures from the government department, young people aged between 16 and 24, accounted for 41% of those killed or seriously injured due to speeding in that time, with males accounting for 64%.

In addition, the figures indicate that 70% of serious speeding collisions happened on rural roads, and that males were responsible for over three-quarters (77%).

In Newry, Mourne and Down, the highest annual rate of speeding casualties per 100,000 resident population was 6.5%, while Belfast had the lowest had one per cent.

Stormont Roads Minister Liz Kimmins described the figures as a “sad and stark reminder to us all of the human cost of speeding” and urged a change in behaviour on the roads.

She said “too many people are affected by serious road traffic collisions in our communities” with the new statistics confirming that sadly, young people and males are disproportionately affected.

“One of the best ways to fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury by 2050 is by changing road user behaviour,” she continued. “We must all slow down and take better care on our roads.”

The minister said the new figures “are another sad and stark reminder” of the importance of reducing speed as road users because this will help to reduce the number of families devastated by serious road traffic collisions.

Rowallane councillor Terry Andrews said the number of people killed or seriously injured was “shocking”.

He said families had been devastated at the loss of loved ones and urged people to cut their speed.

Cllr Andrews, who is the chairman of the district’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership, said speed killed and it was important drivers heed this message.

“There are people who get behind the wheel who think they are invincible. They aren’t and the DfI statistics prove that,” Cllr Andrews continued.

“We all have a duty to drive responsibly to keep ourselves and other road users safe at all times. Tackling speed is everyone’s responsibility, not just the police and road safety organisations.”

Cllr Andrews added: “People need to slow down, obey speed limits and show respect to other road users. Speed kills and this message needs to be heard loud and clear.”