In March, my life was shattered. My 11-year-old son was full of dreams and hope, but in a single, devastating moment, he was knocked down and killed by a car. What added to my grief was the shocking realisation that the driver was not drug tested. This tragic event has left an indelible scar on me and my family. No parent should have to face this heartbreak, and no responsible society should tolerate a system that fails to ensure full accountability in such cases.

Here in Northern Ireland, there is no rule that every driver involved in a serious crash must be tested for drugs. Police only began piloting roadside drug wipes in 2024, carried by specially trained officers and checking for just two drugs, cannabis and cocaine. If one of those officers isn’t at the scene, a driver may never be checked. This gap presents a serious risk to the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

Just across the border, families are treated differently. Since May 2024, gardaí in the Republic of Ireland have been legally required to drug test every driver involved in a serious collision. And when PSNI officers here have been able to use a drug wipe, around half of drivers tested have come back positive. These are more than numbers. They are lives lost, families shattered and communities grieving.

We have the power to change this. By making it mandatory to test for drugs in drivers who are involved in incidents where a person is seriously injured or killed, we can create a safer environment for all. This change will deter potential offenders, hold negligent drivers accountable, and give peace of mind to those affected by such preventable tragedies.

I urge you to sign this petition calling on the Infrastructure Minister and the Northern Ireland Assembly to bring in mandatory drug testing after every serious crash, just as the Republic has done. Let us prevent others from enduring the same pain and loss my family has gone through. Join me in calling for a clear, thorough and fair approach that seeks justice for victims and makes our roads a safer place for everyone.

Please sign and share this petition to demand change and ensure no family suffers this heartbreak without accountability.