BBC News NI marked first-ever Road Safety Day with extensive multi-platform coverage

BBC News NI marked its first dedicated Road Safety Day by devoting a full day of coverage across television, radio, digital and social platforms to the issues affecting safety on Northern Ireland’s roads.

On Tuesday 27 January, audiences were able to follow extensive reporting examining the causes and consequences of road collisions, as well as the measures being taken to reduce deaths and serious injuries. In 2025, 56 people lost their lives on Northern Ireland’s roads.

While overall fatalities had fallen, the number of people seriously injured in collisions continued to rise.

A central feature of the day was a 12-hour live page on the BBC News NI website, running from 7am to 7pm, which brought together key moments, expert analysis and live streams of BBC News NI’s radio and television output. In-depth articles and features were also published throughout the day via bbc.co.uk/northernireland.

The coverage included first-hand accounts from emergency service workers – firefighters, paramedics and police officers – who are often first on the scene of fatal and serious crashes. Several shared deeply personal experiences, including the impact of losing loved ones while continuing to respond to traumatic incidents as part of their professional roles.

BBC News NI’s social media channels on X, Facebook and Instagram also explored related issues, including rising car insurance premiums and the challenges surrounding driving licence reform.

On BBC Radio Ulster, Good Morning Ulster focused on topics such as speeding, proposed licence changes and concerns about declining driving ability among some older motorists.

The Nolan Show gave members of the public a platform to share their experiences and concerns about dangerous roads and driver behaviour, while also highlighting the story of a young woman who survived a serious collision and now uses a wheelchair. Evening Extra examined high insurance costs, the effectiveness of road safety campaigns, infrastructure challenges and police enforcement.

Television coverage on BBC Newsline provided detailed analysis of the data behind Northern Ireland’s road safety record, featuring voices from those most affected by collisions and examining ongoing efforts to improve safety, including the developing debate around driving licence reform.