In pictures: Students at all Donegal secondary schools attend Roadsafe Roadshow

The AXA Roadsafe Roadshow came to schools across the county. 

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A total of 2,700  Transition Year (TY) students from every secondary school in the county attended the AXA Roadsafe Roadshow at the Aura Leisure Centre, Letterkenny.

 *According to An Garda Síochána, in 2024, 17 people lost their lives on roads in Donegal, and a further 55 sustained serious injury.*So far this year, 10 people have lost their lives on roads in Donegal, 28 people have sustained serious injury.

*A total of 18,305 individuals have been issued fines to date for using mobile phones while driving, of which 184 were in Donegal.

Now in its 17th year, the AXA Roadsafe Roadshow partners with Donegal County Council, An Garda Síochána and emergency services to deliver a raw, real-life depiction of the dangers on our roads. The event includes:

Reenactment of a night out ending in tragedy – showing the devastating impact of reckless driving.First-hand accounts from emergency responders who deal with road fatalities.Rachel Elliott, a survivor of a road traffic collision that tragically killed two of her friends in Bundoran in 2018. Six people were in the car that travelled at a speed of 120 kph before it hit a wall, where five of them were thrown through the back window of the car on impact. Bernadette Rice, who tragically lost her twin sister Clarice in a road traffic collision in 2019.

“This is an impactful and informative Roadshow and is an important opportunity to encourage young people to reflect on how they use our roads as drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists,” The Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G. McLaughlin said  “Speeding, driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs, dangerous driving and distracted driving can have a devastating impact on both the driver and other road users. By engaging directly with the students, the Roadsafe Roadshow reinforces the importance of making safe, responsible choices. I extend my sincere thanks to the speakers whose contributions make this important event possible.”

Speaking at the launch of the AXA Roadsafe Roadshow in Donegal, Mick Comerford, Retail Direct Director, AXA, said, “For young Donegal drivers, getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time and learning to drive is an exciting milestone in their lives. However, with that additional independence comes the responsibility to drive safely for yourself and for all road users. Our data shows that young drivers are significantly more likely to be involved in road accidents than older drivers. 

“The AXA Roadsafe Roadshow aims to provide young people on the verge of learning to drive with an honest and unfiltered account of how dangerous driving can destroy lives.”