The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Minister for Infrastructure have issued a joint emergency appeal for road safety following five deaths on the region's roads last weekend.

The most recent tragedies bring the total number of road fatalities this year to 29. This figure is more than double the 14 deaths recorded during the equivalent period in Northern Ireland last year.

Speaking at a press conference, Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones described the recent loss of life as "catastrophic," noting that five people died as a result of collisions within a single 24-hour window between Saturday 25 April and Sunday 26 April.

Assistant Chief Constable Jones said: "The thoughts and sympathies of the Police Service of Northern Ireland are with the families and the loved ones of those who have died, and those who were injured. These deaths are a stark and cruel reminder of the very real dangers that exist on our roads. Twenty nine people have lost their lives on roads in Northern Ireland so far this year – what we might think of traditionally as the size of a school class. This is 29 families whose lives have been changed in an instant and forever – friends and communities left devastated."

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins highlighted that, on average, a life has been lost on Northern Ireland's roads every four days in 2026. With a bank holiday weekend approaching and the North West 200 taking place in Portrush next week, the Minister urged road users to exercise extreme caution. Minister Kimmins stated: "We are just four months into 2026 and so far, 29 people have died on our roads. That means, on average, a life has been lost every four days. They set off on what was to be an everyday journey, but it turned out to be their last day. The loss occurs in an instant, but the devastation it causes lasts a lifetime for those left behind and I send my heartfelt condolences to everyone who is grieving today. As we head into the bank holiday weekend, my appeal is for everyone using the roads to take extra care. Control your speed, put your phone away, never drink or drug drive, don't get distracted and always wear your seatbelt. We all want to get out and about to enjoy the good weather with our friends and family. We've all got plans, places to be. Let's make sure we all get there – and get home – safely."

The PSNI has confirmed a visible enforcement presence will be maintained across the region to target the "Fatal Five" offences: speeding, drink or drug driving, lack of seatbelts, distractions, and using mobile phones.

ACC Jones added: "We're heading into another busy period on our roads with the first of the May bank holidays and the North West 200 in Portrush next week. Lots of people will be socialising, travelling to meet family and friends and our appeal is please be careful on our roads. The Police Service will have a visible enforcement presence on the roads across Northern Ireland, working to prevent and detect Fatal Five offences, including drink/drug driving and excess speed. Remember the Fatal Five – control your speed, put down your phone, never drink or drug drive, don't get distracted and always wear your seatbelt. I do not want to have our officers knocking on anyone's door to hear the life-shattering news their loved one has been injured, or has died as a result of a collision. I am appealing to everyone to help ensure everyone makes it home safely to their families."