Donegal Road Safety Working Group release guidance on road safety as schools reopen

With primary and secondary schools returning in the coming days, the Donegal Road Safety Working Group are emphasising the importance of vigilance for drivers and encouraging proactive discussions between parents, guardian/s, children, and teachers supporting a safe return and setting good road safety habits as schools return for the new academic year.

The first week of school is always a very busy time, some children will be attending school for the first time and others will be getting used to new routines and drop off points. Being more cautious around pedestrians and whilst students are entering and exiting buses is important as schools reopen.

The Donegal Road Safety Working Group, An Garda Siochana and the Road Safety Authority are asking parents and guardians to talk about road safety as part of back-to-school preparations. By planning their route, ensuring to always wear seatbelts, and encouraging students walking and waiting on buses to tune in to their surroundings and be mindful not to be distracted using their mobile phone. Drivers are encouraged to remain observant and slow down, drive within speed limits, pay extra attention as children head back to school and leave extra time for their journeys.

“Our primary appeal is to parents and guardians to show good examples while dropping off and collecting their children from school” said Garda Inspector Seamus McGonigle. 

“Always ensure that all passengers are wearing their seatbelts properly, that they drive at an appropriate speed and are not distracted by devices or the exuberance of the children. Many schools are located along busy roads and at these locations it is particularly important to be familiar with entry and exit points and the school’s protocols regarding drop offs & collections.”

Back to School road safety

 Some things you can do to help near the school gates:

• Take a school bus or carpool
• Park nearby and walk or cycle the rest of the way
• Check bikes are in good working order in advance and plan the route to identify potential hazards
• Always wear a helmet when cycling
• Always wear high visibility clothing when walking or cycling
• Drive safely and obey the speed limits
• Park so that your child can leave the car on the footpath side away from traffic
• Pay attention to other children at the side and behind your car when parking, dropping off
• Park so you don’t block the flow of traffic or the access for emergency vehicles
• Do not park in a way that would block the school entrance or exit, residents’ driveways, or junctions

“Road safety around schools and school buses is everyone’s responsibility, it’s so important that we all take extra care on our roads” stated Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Councillor Niamh Kennedy.

“I urge all road users to remind themselves and their children of the road safety messages as they prepare for the walk, cycle, and their journey to school.”

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a number of road safety resources which aim to promote and encourage road safety at primary and secondary schools as well as providing an education service for schools. For more information on road safety education and resources visit the RSA Website