31 August 2011
Be Road Safety Aware As School Year Begins
With schools reopening this week after the summer holidays, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking road-users to be extra aware of schoolchildren using the roads, particularly near schools and in residential areas. The RSA is also urging parents and guardians to talk to their children and young adults about road safety going to and from school.
Mr Noel Brett, CEO of the RSA said: “It’s not that long ago we were asking road-users to be aware of children spending more time outdoors during their school holidays. Now, as another school year begins, we are asking you to continue practising caution on the roads as children travel to and from school by bus, DART, bicycle or on foot. Be extra aware of children on the roads, particularly during peak traffic hours before and after school. Drive with caution when driving near schools or in residential areas. Remember that children often don’t recognise risk or danger in the same way adults do, so make sure you pay extra attention when children are nearby.”
The RSA is also asking parents and guardians to talk to their children and young adults about using the roads safely getting to and from school.
“Parents and guardians should ensure they talk to their children and young adults about getting to and from school safely. For example, if they use the bus to get to school, make sure they know how to behave safely when travelling and to wear their seatbelt at all times. If they walk or cycle to school, talk to them about how to use the roads safely, particularly when crossing the road, and ensure they always wear their bicycle helmet and high visibility clothing. And it goes without saying, make sure you demonstrate good road safety behaviour at all times – your child learns from what you do, so set them a good example of how to stay safe on the roads,” said Mr Brett.
“For any parents or guardians who drive their children to school, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get there safely. When you drop you son or daughter at the school, ensure you park in a safe place or in a designated car park (if there is one available) and refrain from parking on the footpath. Be extra careful at school entrances and pay particular attention to children walking or cycling into the school grounds.”
For more information on road safety, as well as interactive games and videos for children, visit the ‘Road Safety for Kids’ section of the RSA website, www.rsa.ie
The RSA also has the following advice for parents and motorists:
Travelling by Car
- Motorists, be aware of children when driving, particularly through residential areas and near schools
- All children should be restrained when travelling in a car • Select a restraint that is based on your child’s weight and height and is suitable for the type of car
- Remember it’s safer if children travel in the rear of a car • Never leave children alone in a car
Walking:
- Small children should not cross roads alone. They cannot decide how far away a car is or how fast it is going
- Children walking on country roads should wear reflective armbands and bright clothing
- If there is no footpath, walk on the right-hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic keeping as close as possible to the side of the road
- Show your child how to cross the road by example. Choose safe places to cross and take time to explain why i.e. footbridges, zebra or pelican crossings.
Cycle Safety
- Make sure they are highly visible by wearing a reflective belt and bright clothes and wear a bicycle safety helmet on all journeys
- Check that the bicycle’s brakes, lights, reflector and bell are in good working order.
Travelling by Bus
- If safety belts are provided, make sure your child knows that they must be worn
- Teach your child to take special care when getting on or off public transport
- While waiting for a bus get them to stand well in on the footpath or grass verge
- Before crossing the road, they should wait until the bus has moved off and they can see clearly in both directions
- On the bus your child should remain seated until the journey is complete
- Place school bags under the seat.
Further road safety advice for parents and motorists is included in the RSA’s ‘Going to School’ leaflet which is available on www.rsa.ie
For media queries, please contact: RSA Communications Office: 096 25008