14 April 2011
Calling All ‘Leading Lights’ In Road Safety
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is calling on people nationwide to nominate a ‘Leading Light’ in road safety as part of the 2011 ‘Leading Lights in Road Safety’ Awards. The awards recognise the extraordinary and often ‘un-sung’ contribution of people across Ireland to make roads safer. The call for entries opens today, Thursday 14th of April and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Farmleigh House on Wednesday 12th October. Information on the categories and how to nominate a ‘Leading Light’, as well as entry forms, are available at www.rsa.ie/leadinglights.
Now in its fourth year, the awards honour the outstanding efforts of people from local community groups, media, schools and businesses nationwide to improve safety on Irish roads. Categories include Road Safety Ambassador of the Year and Young Road Safety Ambassador of the Year, Public Sector (Fire Services, Gardaí, Paramedics, Local Authorities) and Business (SMEs and large employers). There will also be two categories for Media (Local Media Award and National Media Award) and five sections under an Education category (Pre-school; Primary; Secondary; Third Level; and Community). A Road Safety Officer of the Year, and Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) of the Year will also be handed awards.
Last year’s winner of the ‘Road Safety Ambassador’ Award and overall ‘Supreme Award’, Tommy Duffy, returned with some of his sixth class students to launch this year’s Leading Lights in Road Safety Awards today in Dublin’s city centre. A teacher in Holy Family National School in Swords Co Dublin, Tommy was awarded by the judging panel for his work in educating young people in how to cycle safely.
Speaking about the competition, Tommy said: “The RSA Leading Lights in Road Safety Awards is a great initiative to recognise the work people are doing in communities all over the country to improve road safety. I was honoured to receive the ‘Supreme Award’ at last year’s ceremony and it really encouraged the teachers and students in our school to continue to promote road safety and improve awareness of the importance of safe cycling. I would recommend everyone to get involved in this year’s competition and recognise the work of a ‘Leading Light’ in your community, business or school.”
Also at today’s launch, Mr Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority said: “‘The Leading Lights in Road Safety Awards’ is one of the most outstanding means of promoting road safety in local communities throughout Ireland. The awards allow the innovators in road safety to receive the well deserved recognition for their dedication and hard work in improving the safety of our roads for everyone. The ‘Leading Lights’ awards highlight the work of ordinary people in communities throughout the country, who provide awareness of the safe practice of road use.”
“These individuals are the unsung heroes of road safety in communities all over Ireland and the Leading Lights Awards is our way of giving back to people who give so much to save lives, prevent injuries and bring communities together. If you know of an individual, group, or organisation who has addressed a road safety need in their community, school or workplace, please honour their work and commitment to our safety by nominating them for a ‘Leading Light’,” he added.
In addition to the category awards, one winner will be chosen to receive a Supreme Award. This will be presented to an individual or group for the most innovative and outstanding road safety initiative, leadership and exemplary dedication to the area of road safety.
The RSA will announce the judging panel shortly on its website. People can nominate a ‘Leading Light’ from Thursday 14th of April. The closing date for submitting a nomination for a ‘Leading Light in Road Safety’ is Friday 16th September. Further information on the categories and how to nominate a ‘Leading Light’, as well as entry forms, are available at www.rsa.ie/leadinglights.
For further information:
RSA Communications Office: 096 25008