The 2026 Northern Ireland Road Safety Awards are now open for nominations. This is the 12th instalment of the Road Safe NI Charity initiative which aims to celebrate the outstanding contributions of the individuals and organisations who make roads safer across Northern Ireland.
12 categories will honour contributions from schools, businesses, volunteers, driving instructors, emergency services, and the public sector, alongside professional drivers and young road users.
The official launch was attended by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, highlighting the important opportunity the awards present in promoting road safety, preventing collisions, and protecting lives. According to the Department’s NI Road Safety Annual Statistical Report 2026, there were 56 fatalities on Northern Ireland’s roads last year. In addition, 1,066 people were seriously injured in road traffic collisions, representing an increase of 14 per cent from 2024.
Davy Jackson, Chair of Road Safe NI Charity, said, “As we launch the Northern Ireland Road Safety Awards for the twelfth year, we remember every person who has lost their lives on our roads, and acknowledge the remarkable work taking place across our communities. Road safety remains a significant issue in Northern Ireland, but individuals and organisations continue to step up. Their dedication, commitment, and innovation makes a genuine difference as we collectively prioritise awareness and education to improve behaviour and prevent collisions. Every nomination tells an important story, and we look forward to celebrating another exceptional group of road safety champions later this year.”
Road Safety Awards
The awards are supported by headline sponsor CRASH Services, Northern Ireland’s leading accident-management company, and associate sponsor, Cathedral Eye Clinic. The 12 categories are; Primary School Award, Post-Primary School Award, School Crossing Patrol Award, Voluntary Award, Business Award, Open Award, Emergency Services Award, Approved Driving Instructor Award, Public Service Award, LGV/PCV Award, Young Driver Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Entries are open until 30 October 2026 with nomination forms available at roadsafeni.org and crashservices.com. Winners will be announced during Road Safety Week on Friday 20 November at a ceremony at Belfast Castle.
Paula Mahoney, Marketing Director at CRASH Services, said, “As Northern Ireland’s leading accident management company CRASH Services is delighted to support the Northern Ireland Road Safety Awards for a 12th year as title sponsor. We’re proud to shine a light on the people and organisations making a real difference to road safety, and in doing so inspire others to follow their lead.
“We deal with hundreds of motorists each month, many of whom are dealing with the traumatic aftermath of a road traffic collision. We know first-hand how important improvements to road safety are in Northern Ireland. Every contribution combines to create a lasting impact as we work together to prevent further incidents, and more importantly, eliminate casualties and serious injury. Road safety isn’t just the responsibility of government, police, or road engineers, all of us who use our roads have a role to play in making journeys safer.”
The 2026 awards are supported by the Department for Infrastructure, Applegreen NI, The Road Ahead NI, New Driver NI, Hankook Tyres, Charles Hurst Group, JMK Solicitors, U105, and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership.
For more information and to make a nomination before the closing date of 30 October visit roadsafeni.org or crashservices.com.
