A Road Safety Committee is being created in the Newry and Mourne area, and anyone interested in getting involved is invited to attend a meeting in Newry at 7pm on Tuesday February 2.
The committee will be affiliated to the Road Safety Council of Northern Ireland and will work alongside the other six existing local groups.
Tony McKeown, director of CRASH Services, who will host the meeting in their Newry office, said the number of fatalities seen on the roads since the start of 2016 had added impetus to the idea of setting up the group.
"The Road Safety Council have been looking to create more regional groups and we have been planning to create a Newry and Mourne group for some time," he said.
"However, I think it is really needed now considering the terrible tragedies that have occurred in this area over the last year and already this this year three more young people have lost their lives."
Mr McKeown said there had already been a positive response to the idea of a Newry and Mourne group, with an initial meeting well attended.
"There was great enthusiasm, expertise and diversity of experience at the meeting," he said.
"Many of the group had personal stories of losing close family members on the road.
"We had also representatives from the emergency services, driving instructors, schools, local motoring businesses, public representatives and sporting groups.
"This will be a voluntary committee open to anyone."
Mr McKeown said a number of road safety issues had already been identified.
"For example, I am sure everyone will be concerned with recent PSNI figures," he said.
"They show arrests for drink-driving in the Newry, Mourne and Down area were up 96 per cent over the Christmas period compared to the previous year. Drink-driving is one of the major causes of serious collision and fatalities on the road."
:: The Newry and Mourne Road Safety Committee launch meeting will be held at CRASH Services, 27 St Mary Street, Newry from 7pm on Tuesday February 2. Anyone interested in getting involved is invited to attend. More information by emailing tony@crashservices.com or telephoning 028 3025 1840.
