A study from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) shows that 13 children under the age of 14 have died in the first eight months of the year on Irish roads. In 2013, six children lost their lives, meaning the number of child casualties so far this year has already exceeded the total number of child deaths in 2013. Six of the children who died on our roads this year were pedestrians, six were car passengers and one was a quad bike user.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe encouraged parents and teachers to renew their commitment to educating our youngest road-users about road safety, saying:

As parents and educators, we have the responsibility to teach our children how to be safe when walking, cycling, getting the bus or being driven to school.

Back to School advice for parents, guardians and children: 

Travelling by Car

• 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 its safer if children travel in the rear of a car;
• Never leave children alone in a car.

Walking to School

• Small children should not cross roads alone. They cannot decide how far away a car is or how fast it is going;
• Walk the route to school with them in advance;
• 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, lollipop lady/man or junior school warden patrol.

Travelling by Bus

• Teach children to take special care getting on or off a bus or mini-bus;
• While waiting for a bus, children should stand well in off the road;
• Before crossing the road they should wait until the bus has moved off and they can see clearly in both directions;
• If seatbelts are fitted, they must be worn.

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.

As a parents, guardians & driver we must improve the safety of children, they are our future.

Thank you for reading our blog.

Castletown School of Motoring

Francis