16 August 2011
RSA Urges Leaving Cert Students to Celebrate Safely
Over 55,000 students nationwide will receive their Leaving Certificate results tomorrow (Wednesday 17 August) with many heading out for the night to celebrate. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging students to celebrate safely, especially if they choose to drive.
Noel Brett, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority said: “Congratulations to all the students who received their results today. It has been a long year of hard work so make sure tonight is a night of celebration and not one of tragedy. Make mature and sensible choices about how you get to your destination tonight. For example, consider using public transport tonight to get to and from your destination safely. If you choose to drive, make safe choices about who you give a lift to as they may influence how you behave on the roads. Never drive faster than the speed limit, make sure you and your passengers wear seatbelts and never ever drink or drug drive. Don’t throw all your hard work away for a short trip.”
As of Tuesday 16 August, 19 young adults aged between 16 and 20 have died on Irish roads, representing 1 in 6 of the total fatalities to date this year. Almost two thirds of those killed were drivers.
Mr Brett urged parents across the country to discuss road safety with their young adults before they head out tonight: “You have watched your sons and daughters work hard throughout the year and today is a day to be very proud of their achievements. As you both look forward to a future of possibilities, we’re asking you to talk to your young adults about responsible road use. Make sure you know who they’re going out with, where they’re going and how they intend to get there.”
The RSA is also asking TV, radio, music and sports personalities who have a large number of young followers to tweet a message to stay safe on the roads tonight. Regular road safety tips will also be posted on the RSA’s Twitter page - @RSAIreland – and on Facebook by searching for ‘Road Safety Authority’.
The RSA has the following road safety advice for parents and their young adults:
- For parents, ask your son or daughter to avoid driving late at night as this is a high risk period for crashes, particularly among young people;
For any young adults choosing to drive tonight, remember that any amount of alcohol or drugs impairs your driving which could lead to a serious collision;
- Don’t carry more people in your car than is safe. Consider limiting it to two or three passengers and ask them to avoid distracting you while you are driving;
- Always obey the speed limits and never drive faster than your experience or the roads allow;
- While it is reassuring for young adults to carry a mobile phone, never talk on your phone or text while driving. Research says that you are four times more likely to crash if you use a hand-held mobile phone while driving and 23 times more likely to crash if you text while driving;
- Remember, everyone in the car should wear their seatbelt, both in the front and rear of the car.
ENDS
For media queries, please contact:
RSA Communications Office: 096 25008