The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a renewed collaboration with the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership (NIRSP).

The first campaign, focusing on the dangers of inattentive and careless driving, will run in December 2024 and February 2025. The second campaign, titled “Classroom,” will target speeding and air in January 2025.

According to the department, careless driving—including inattention, distraction, and tailgating—remains the leading cause of car accidents in Northern Ireland.

NI Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd emphasized the human cost of such behaviour:

“Too many lives are lost or irreparably changed due to careless driving, leaving families and communities devastated. While many understand the dangers of drink or drug driving, speeding, and not wearing seat belts, the serious consequences of inattentive driving are often overlooked.

“This campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage safer behaviour among road users to prevent unnecessary tragedies. I welcome the continued collaboration with the NIRSP, which enables us to use various media platforms to drive home this important message.”

PSNI Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson, chair of the NIRSP, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the focus on reducing fatalities and serious injuries:

“The Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership remains dedicated to tackling the primary causes of road collisions—commonly referred to as the ‘Fatal Five’: drink-driving, speeding, careless driving, not wearing seat belts, and mobile phone use while driving.

“We are proud to support the DfI’s campaigns, which are crucial in educating and warning road users about the risks. Changing behaviour is key, and I urge everyone to slow down, remain attentive, and remember that safe driving could save a life—yours or someone else’s.”