Warning after more lives lost on NI's roads

A total of 64 people have been killed on Northern Ireland roads so far this year.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) released the figures to remind drivers to take care over the festive season.

"Sadly, more people have lost their lives on our roads over the last few days," the force said. "We are urging everyone to take extra caution when getting behind the wheel over the busy Christmas period."

They also said 132 motorists were arrested between the start of the month and 15 December, as part of their winter anti-drink drive campaign.

"Operation Season's Greetings is well under way with high-visibility police officers on patrol across Northern Ireland to prevent crime, " the PSNI said.

"Keeping people safe is our priority - whether that's on the roads, in our transport hubs, while shopping and socialising; generally going about their day-to-day business."

Last year, a total of 71 people lost their lives on Northern Ireland's roads - the highest annual number of deaths for eight years.

Statistics show that 4,000 people were killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions between 2019 and 2023.

Figures also show young drivers are over-represented in collision statistics.

There were 192 people aged between 16 and 24 killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions in Northern Ireland in 2023.