Taking the Safe Route Back to School
4,225 children U14 killed or injured on Irish roads over five year period
30/08/04 - As primary and secondary schools prepare to start a new academic year the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Automobile Association (AA) have issued a joint appeal to parents to make road safety top of their child's back to school checklist.
The message from the NSC and the AA is "The safety of our children travelling to and from school whether they are passengers, pedestrians or cyclists is of paramount importance".
The appeal comes as figures reveal that 4,225 children U14 were killed or injured on Irish roads in the five years 1998 to 2002*.
National Safety Council, Chairman, Eddie Shaw says "The start of a new school year will see a dramatic transformation take place on our roads as thousands of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists begin the school run. With an increase in traffic and children using our roads there will be increased risks."
"We are urging parents to make this a safe school year by setting a good example, teaching good habits and encouraging children to do the right thing when using the roads. Road crashes have shattered too many lives already in Ireland. In the five years 1998 to 2002 a total of 110 children under the age of 14 lost their lives on our roads." He said.
Conor Faughnan, Public Affairs Manager added "Children are probably at their most vulnerable travelling to and from school. Every parent, motorist and road user must play an active part in making sure that their children, all children are safe when using the roads"
"Tragically nearly two thirds of all children killed or injured on our roads between 1998 and 2002 were car passengers involved in a collision" Mr. Faughnan continued. "Parents and guardians should ensure that children sit in the rear of the car and use an appropriate child restraint for every journey no matter how short." During the back to school rush all motorists should be on the lookout for cyclists and pedestrians particularly in the vicinity of schools and school routes," said Mr. Faughnan.
Concluding Mr. Eddie Shaw said "Parents are best placed to teach children about road safety. But remember a child will do as you do, not as you say. So please set a good example yourself."
Whether your child is walking to school travelling by bus, cycling or you are driving your child to school the following safety guidelines apply;
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
- 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
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
* Source; National Roads Authority, Road Accident Facts, 98, 99, 00, 01, 02.
For further information please
contact:
Brian Farrell, National Safety
Council, Direct Line 01-4988603
or Mobile
086-3881009
Alan Richardson, Acting Chief
Executive, National Safety
Council, 01-4963422
Conor Faughnan, AA Ireland,
Direct Line 01-6179440 or Mobile
087
2530495
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