New Pupils To Receive Hi Vis Jackets

Ireland's 80,000 new pupils will all receive a high visibility vest as part of a new road safety campaign for those starting school next week.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has asked parents, guardians and teachers to make road safety a priority as the new school year approaches, as part of its campaign to reduce injuries amongst the State's young children.

The initiative, sponsored by ESB, is part of the RSA’s ‘Back to School’ campaign which reminds parents, guardians and teachers to make road safety a priority in their back to school preparations.

RSA Chief Executive Noel Brett, said: “We are delighted that ESB has come on board with us on this very important initiative. Every year, we remind parents and guardians to make sure that road safety is a priority on their child’s back to school checklist and this year is no different. Children are the most vulnerable of our road-users so it is really important that they are ‘streetwise’ about road safety”.

The RSA ‘Back to School’ pack will be sent to every primary and secondary school in September and includes a high vis vest, safety aid literature and a Safe Cross Code CD.

Minister for Lifelong Learning at the Department of Education Seán Haughey congratulated the RSA and the ESB for making the road safety gear available.

"It is really important to start road safety education at a young age, so I would ask parents, guardians and teachers nationwide to make road safety a priority, both at home and in school, and teach children the knowledge and skills to be safe on our roads,” he said.

Among its guidelines for child safety, the RSA advised parents that small children should not cross roads alone as they cannot decide how far away a car is or how fast it is going. Parents were also asked to walk the route to school with them in advance and that any children walking on country roads were to be provided with reflective armbands and bright clothing.

Other advise included: "In the event of 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, lollipop lady/man or junior school warden patrol."

(DW/BMcC)