Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has urged road users to take extra care as a new series of short films launches on social media showing the immediate aftermath of serious collisions.

Timed to coincide with Road Safety Week (16–22 November), the videos focus on what unfolds when emergency services arrive at a crash.

Commissioned by the Department for Infrastructure, the films present the perspectives of firefighters, paramedics and police officers as they deal with the devastation at the scene.

"Road traffic collisions deeply impact lives, not just of those involved, but their families and friends too. This includes those who are first on the scene and deal with the immediate aftermath – the paramedics, firefighters and police," Minister Kimmins said.

"I want to pay tribute to them for everything they do, and it is so important that these stories are told, which is why my department has commissioned a series of social media videos to show the reality of what first responders are faced with in the aftermath of a serious collision.

"Nobody wants to be involved in a crash, and nobody wants to be responsible for it either. However, most collisions are avoidable. The statistics tell us that over 95% of them are caused by people behaving dangerously, carelessly, or simply ignoring the law – so my plea is slow down and pay attention.

"Tragically, so far this year, 44 families have received the devastating news that their loved one is not coming home."

Last year, 1,008 people were killed or seriously injured in road collisions.

"Road safety is important all year round, not just for this week. My department, in collaboration with our road safety partners, can educate, improve engineering and enforce road traffic laws, but we all must take personal responsibility for our own attitudes and behaviours when using the roads.

"So please slow down, pay attention, never drink alcohol or take drugs if driving, leave the mobile phone alone, take extra care around our schools and act responsibly on every journey."

Police Service of Northern Ireland Superintendent Jonathan Wilson said: "Anyone who has been impacted by a fatal or serious road traffic collision will know of the trauma involved. So many people are impacted, including those left injured, the loved ones left to grieve, to emergency services colleagues responding and dealing with the consequences. "Lives are changed in an instant. We all need to work together towards making our roads safe for everyone. That means adhering to the Fatal Five – never drinking alcohol or taking drugs and driving; slowing down; not being careless; always wearing your seat belt and never using your mobile phone while driving.

"Road Safety Week nationally is about 'safe vehicles, save lives' and our appeal is for everyone who drives, to do so safely. It's about making sure every time you get in your vehicle it is safe. Road safety is too important to take risks with. Sadly, too many people have experienced how there are no second chances when it comes to road safety."

Chief Paramedic Officer, and Interim Director of Operations with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Neil Sinclair, called on all road users to redouble their efforts to protect themselves and others: "Every day, NIAS crews attend 12 or more incidents on our roads. They provide clinical and emotional care for patients whose lives have just been turned upside down, either by injury to themselves or others. Sadly, in more than 40 cases this year, lives have been lost.

"The impact of this trauma is also felt by the men and women of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service who are often members of the communities in which these incidents happen. Our staff feel the hurt and the pain that is visited upon their friends and neighbours. In this Road safety Week, and beyond, I ask you, when using the road, to commit to being a role model to your friends and families, by simply respecting others. We all know the behaviours that lead to death and injury - let us not display them."

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Marcus Wright added: "Alongside our emergency service colleagues, we witness first-hand the devastating consequences of road traffic collisions and the lives that are completely destroyed as a consequence. Every crash impacts not just the people involved, but their families, friends and our entire community, including our Firefighters.

"In 2024, Firefighters attended 744 road traffic collisions and rescued 139 people who were trapped inside their vehicle. We must all do our part by taking responsibility on our roads. Slowing down, staying alert and respecting other road users can be the difference between life or death."

During Road Safety Week, the Department is encouraging people to sign up to Share the Road to Zero and pledge to be the best road user they can be—whether travelling as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider—by adopting positive behaviours. Sign-up is free at www.sharetheroadtozero.com, where individuals and organisations can access regular safety advice.