Supporting New Driver NI 2026/27 across more than 100 post-primary schools in Northern Ireland
JMK Solicitors is proud to continue its partnership with Road Safe NI Charity as New Driver NI 2026/27 begins a new year of 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. JMK Solicitors’ support helps ensure these important road safety messages reach young people as they prepare to become drivers and gain greater independence.
Investing in Road Safety Through Education
For more than 20 years, JMK Solicitors has supported individuals and families affected by road traffic collisions. Through its partnership with Road Safe NI Charity, the firm is helping to ensure that young people are equipped with the knowledge and awareness needed to make safer choices behind the wheel.
Designed for Year 13 and Year 14 students, New Driver NI encourages young people to think beyond passing their driving test and consider the responsibility that comes with being a road user.
The programme addresses some of the most common causes of serious collisions involving young drivers, including speeding, distraction, drink and drug driving, seat-belt use and peer pressure. By highlighting the consequences of risky behaviour, it aims to help students develop safe driving habits from the very beginning.
Encouraging Young Passengers to Speak Up
A key theme of this year’s programme is empowering passengers to play an active role in road safety.
Through the message, “Passengers: Find Your Voice”, students are encouraged to recognise that speaking up when they feel unsafe can help prevent dangerous situations from escalating. Whether it is asking a driver to slow down, put away a mobile phone or stop somewhere safe, these conversations can save lives.
The programme reinforces that everyone travelling in a vehicle has a role to play in promoting safer journeys.
Supporting Young Drivers Through New Licensing Changes
The 2026/27 programme arrives at an important time following the introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing in Northern Ireland on 1 October 2026.
The new system is designed to help inexperienced drivers gain valuable experience gradually, with the aim of reducing collisions among newly-qualified motorists, particularly those aged 17 to 23.
Alongside road safety education, New Driver NI will help students understand the new licensing requirements and the responsibilities that come with them as both drivers and passengers.
Proud to Support the Next Generation
“At JMK Solicitors, we have seen first-hand the life-changing impact road traffic collisions can have on individuals, families and communities. Education is one of the most effective ways to prevent these incidents from happening in the first place. We are proud to support Road Safe NI Charity and the New Driver NI programme, helping young people understand the importance of making responsible choices on the road and encouraging safer behaviours that can make a real difference.”
Amy Goss, Associate Director, JMK Solicitors
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.
JMK Solicitors extends its thanks to New-Bridge Integrated College for hosting the launch event, to Road Safe NI Charity for its continued commitment to reducing road casualties and to the schools supporting the programme throughout the year.
Every Conversation Can Save a Life
The impact of New Driver NI extends beyond presentations and publications. It is about helping young people make safer decisions every day, whether that means putting away a phone, wearing a seat belt, refusing to drink and drive or challenging unsafe behaviour as a passenger.
Through its support of Road Safe NI Charity, JMK Solicitors is helping young people build the knowledge, confidence and habits that can contribute to safer roads across Northern Ireland.
Every journey matters. Every choice matters.
