Supporting New Driver NI 2026/27 across more than 100 post-primary schools in Northern Ireland
CRASH Services is proud to continue its partnership with Road Safe NI Charity as New Driver NI 2026/27 begins a new year of potentially life-saving road safety education for young people across Northern Ireland.
The programme was officially launched at New-Bridge Integrated College, bringing together sponsors, community partners and road safety representatives who share a commitment to helping the next generation become safer and more responsible road users.
Throughout the 2026/27 academic year, New Driver NI presentations will be delivered in more than 100 post-primary schools, while approximately 32,000 students will receive a free copy of the New Driver NI magazine. CRASH Services’ support helps these important messages reach young people at a crucial stage, as they prepare to become drivers and gain greater independence.
A partnership focused on prevention
CRASH Services supports motorists following road traffic collisions and understands the impact an incident can have on individuals, families and communities. The partnership with Road Safe NI Charity reflects our belief that prevention and education are essential to creating safer roads for everyone.
Designed for Year 13 and Year 14 students, New Driver NI goes beyond the practical steps involved in gaining a driving licence. It helps young people understand that passing a test is only the beginning and that safe driving depends on responsible decisions during every journey.
The programme addresses speeding, distraction, drink and drug driving, seat-belt use and peer pressure. It encourages students to consider how everyday choices, such as checking a phone, travelling with someone who has been drinking or failing to buckle up, can have consequences far beyond the vehicle.
Helping passengers find their voice
New Driver NI also recognises that young people can make a difference before they take the wheel. Passengers can support safer journeys by avoiding distractions, wearing their seat belts, refusing to encourage risky behaviour and speaking up when they feel unsafe.
The programme’s message, “Passengers: Find your voice”, encourages young people to recognise that challenging unsafe behaviour is an act of care. Asking a driver to slow down, put away a phone or stop somewhere safe could help prevent a collision.
Supporting young drivers through important changes
The 2026/27 programme follows the introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing in Northern Ireland on 1 October 2026. The new system takes a phased approach to learning and gaining experience, with the aim of improving safety among new drivers, particularly those aged 17 to 23.
New Driver NI presentations will help students understand the new licensing arrangements alongside their wider responsibilities as drivers and passengers, making the programme especially relevant to this generation of learners.
CRASH Services proud to play its part
“At CRASH Services, we support motorists during some of the most stressful moments following a road traffic collision, so we understand the importance of preventing incidents before they happen. That is why we are proud to partner with Road Safe NI Charity and support New Driver NI in educating the next generation of road users. By helping young people understand the consequences of risky behaviour and make safer choices from the outset, we can all play a part in creating safer roads for everyone.”
Paula Mahoney, Marketing Director, CRASH Services
The launch was attended by Davy Jackson, Chair of Road Safe NI Charity; presenter Stevie Dickson; Paula Mahoney, Marketing Director at CRASH Services; Amy Goss, Associate Director at JMK Solicitors; Andrew Goodman, Creative Media Manager at Used Cars NI; Amy Logan, Director at AB&C Insurance; and Gwen Bartley, representing Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership.
CRASH Services extends its thanks to New-Bridge Integrated College for hosting the official launch, to Road Safe NI Charity for its continued work and to every school helping bring these vital conversations to students.
Every choice matters
The success of New Driver NI will be measured not only by the number of schools visited or magazines distributed, but by the decisions young people make afterwards: putting the phone away, wearing a seat belt, refusing to drink and drive, choosing a safe speed and speaking up as a passenger.
Through its partnership with Road Safe NI Charity, CRASH Services is helping young people build safer habits that can last a lifetime. Every journey matters. Every choice matters.
