A new social media campaign designed to enhance awareness around fitness to drive, reminding all motorists in Northern Ireland about their responsibilities for road safety, has been launched the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

The campaign features two key elements. The first, 'Keep Yourself Right', signposts drivers to essential information regarding the steps they should take if they develop a health condition or experience eyesight issues that could impact their driving ability. It also serves as a reminder to keep driving licence details current and highlights the specific renewal requirements for drivers aged over 70.

The second part of the initiative, 'Time to Talk', encourages individuals who are concerned about someone else's ability to drive due to health or other issues to initiate honest conversations.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, launching the campaign, underscored the critical need for such awareness: "Sadly too many people are killed and seriously injured on our roads every year. This campaign is a reminder to us all to keep ourselves and others safe on the roads by making sure we follow the appropriate steps in the event of illness or eyesight issues. It also signposts us to the steps we can take if we have concerns about somebody else’s driving by encouraging honest conversations. By taking personal responsibility on the roads, we can all help to make our roads safer."

Minister Kimmins further emphasised the human element in road collisions: "Sadly, evidence shows that more than 95% of road deaths are due to human error. This campaign reminds us of our personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe. The sad reality is that if we do not change our own attitudes when we are using the roads, our death toll will continue to increase."

Information on driving with a medical condition or how to renew, exchange or apply for a driving licence is available on nidirect:

How to tell DVA about a driver with a medical condition | nidirect

When you tell DVA about a medical condition | nidirect

Renew, exchange or apply for a driving licence | nidirect