Dip in annual road fatalities in Northern Ireland compared to previous couple of years - though not an all-time low
Road deaths in Northern Ireland dropped in 2025 compared to the two preceding years.
Although the 57 fatalities recorded throughout the year is not quite an all-time low, 2025 was still among the least-deadly years since records began in 1931.
Annual road deaths have stood in the 50s over the last several years – except for 2023 and 2024, when they hit 71 and 69, respectively.
The lowest number of annual fatalities on record was in 2012, when 48 people lost their lives in crashes, followed by 2021 (in the middle of the pandemic) when 50 fatalities took place.
But in all there have been only eight other years when the annual tally has stood at 57 or lower (in other words, 2025 was the joint eighth-safest year since 1931, alongside 2013).
The worst single year on record for road deaths in the Province co-incided with the worst year of the Troubles: 1972, when 372 people were killed on the roads (for comparison, that same year, 480 people died due to Troubles violence).
The 57 deaths recorded in 2025 break down as follows:
Drivers: 18
Passengers: 13
Pedestrians: 16
Motorcyclists: six
Pedal cyclists: one
And "other road users": three
In a statement, PSNI Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson said today: “We do not want to see any more families lose a loved one on our roads and suffer unimaginable heartache.
“As a police service, we will continue to do all we can to make our roads safer for everyone, but we also need all road users to play their part.
“Every single one of us has a responsibility to keep ourselves and other road users safe.
"Our roads are such busy places for drivers, pedestrians and other users.
"Our appeal is remember the fatal five and how they have no place for when you get behind the wheel of a vehicle - don’t drink or take drugs and drive; slow down; don’t be careless; always wear your seat belt; and never use your mobile phone while driving.”
Meanwhile, infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins said: “What is particularly shocking this year is the high number of deaths of some of the most vulnerable road users.
"Sixteen pedestrians were killed on our roads in 2025, and nine of those were aged 65 or over.
“As we go into 2026 and the dark winter nights continue, can we all as drivers look out for people walking, especially older people who may be more vulnerable on our roads.
"If you are walking, whether using a footpath, walking along a country road or simply crossing the road, please always be aware of your surroundings.
"And if you are a cyclist or motorcyclist, please ensure you put your safety first.”
South of the border, the Road Safety Authority Ireland recorded 185 fatalities in 174 collisions on public roads during 2025 – an 8% increase from 171 deaths in 157 fatal collisions in 2024.
Figures for the whole of GB have yet to be released.