The Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) award-winning Roadsafe Roadshow travelled to Newry to deliver its hard-hitting road safety message to a business audience for the first time.

The roadshow, which has traditionally been aimed at teenagers, was hosted by the Newry Chamber of Commerce at the Canal Court. Those in attendance heard firsthand accounts of how a collision can lead to tragedy and permanent disability.

The story is told by a police officer, paramedic, and fire officer, as well as a man jailed after a collision and a young person left paralysed. The narrative is interspersed with music and video clips.

PSNI Road Safety Lead, Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson, said that while the roadshow typically targets young drivers, older drivers are just as vulnerable and need to be aware of the "life-changing consequences" of unsafe driving. He noted that so far this year, 31 people have died on Northern Ireland's roads. He urged all drivers to adhere to the "fatal five": not drinking or taking drugs and driving, slowing down, not being careless, always wearing a seatbelt, and never using a mobile phone while driving.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins thanked the Newry Chamber for hosting the event. She noted that the death rate on Northern Ireland's roads is "on average, one per week," and that it is "far too many lives being lost."

Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade President Edwina Flynn said the chamber was delighted to be the first to host the event. She highlighted that Newry, Mourne and Down has the highest annual rate of people killed or seriously injured in collisions caused by speeding, which makes the roadshow particularly relevant for the local business community.

The Roadsafe Roadshow is supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership.