Road Safety
Like you, we fell that the safety of your Child is paramount. Accidents can happen so easily, especially with so many cars on the road.
A number of parents have also noticed that cars at the traffic lights are regularly driving through, despite the lights turning red, so please be vigilant.
To help to make getting to and from school a little bit safer, we have included some safety tips from the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
For more information on road safety please check out the Road Safety Authority website.
A number of parents have also noticed that cars at the traffic lights are regularly driving through, despite the lights turning red, so please be vigilant.
To help to make getting to and from school a little bit safer, we have included some safety tips from the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
For more information on road safety please check out the Road Safety Authority website.
Walking to School
Research shows that children under 12 should not cross roads on their own. They cannot decide how far away a car is or how fast it is going. They should be taken to school by a responsible adult.
Children walking on country roads should wear reflective arm bands and belt.
Choose a safe route to school and keep hold of your child's hand at all times.
Don't allow your child to cross the road between parked cars. This is very dangerous as a driver will not be able to see your child. Show your child how to cross the road by example. Choose safe places to cross and explain the reasons why to your child i.e. footbridges, zebra or pelican crossings, with a Garda, an adult warden or junior school wardens.
Ensure that your child always stops at the edge of the footpath, and always put the Safe Cross Code into practice.
After some weeks assess your child's understanding by asking him/her to bring you across the road.
The best person to teach your child to cross the road safely is you. But remember, a child will do as you do, not as you say. So set the good example yourself!
Children walking on country roads should wear reflective arm bands and belt.
Choose a safe route to school and keep hold of your child's hand at all times.
Don't allow your child to cross the road between parked cars. This is very dangerous as a driver will not be able to see your child. Show your child how to cross the road by example. Choose safe places to cross and explain the reasons why to your child i.e. footbridges, zebra or pelican crossings, with a Garda, an adult warden or junior school wardens.
Ensure that your child always stops at the edge of the footpath, and always put the Safe Cross Code into practice.
After some weeks assess your child's understanding by asking him/her to bring you across the road.
The best person to teach your child to cross the road safely is you. But remember, a child will do as you do, not as you say. So set the good example yourself!
Driving your Child to School
Children should be secured in the back seat in a restraint appropriate to their weight and height. See www.rsa.ie/childsafetyincars for further information. Ensure they cannot open doors or windows.
Children should never be left alone in a vehicle, even for a brief period.
Set down and collect your children on the school side of the road whenever possible. Never park opposite and call your child.
You must not park where parking is prohibited by a traffic sign or roadway markings. Children are most vulnerable when crossing the road between parked cars. Not only will the child be unable to see approaching cars, drivers will not see the child.
Co-operate with school wardens. Drivers, please give cyclists plenty of room. Set a good example to children by always wearing your safety belt.
Never use a mobile phone while driving.
Children should never be left alone in a vehicle, even for a brief period.
Set down and collect your children on the school side of the road whenever possible. Never park opposite and call your child.
You must not park where parking is prohibited by a traffic sign or roadway markings. Children are most vulnerable when crossing the road between parked cars. Not only will the child be unable to see approaching cars, drivers will not see the child.
Co-operate with school wardens. Drivers, please give cyclists plenty of room. Set a good example to children by always wearing your safety belt.
Never use a mobile phone while driving.
Cycling
Research shows that children under 12 do not have the skills and experience required to be safe in traffic on their own and should only cycle accompanied by an adult or responsible person.
Parents should decide whether their child is fit to cycle on public roads. When doing so they should be confident that their child possesses the appropriate skills and training. It is important that your child understands and is protected against potential hazards.
Children should be taught that a bicycle is a vehicle and must follow the same rules as other road users. Impress on your children that traffic lights apply to cyclists too and that Red means Stop.
Dedicated cycle tracks must be used if available. Footpaths are for pedestrians and not for cyclists.
Ensure the bicycle is a suitable size for your child and that he/she can comfortably apply the brakes.
Check that the bicycle's brakes, lights, reflectors, tyres and bell are in good working order.
Make sure your child is highly visible and wears a reflective belt and bright clothes. The higher the visibility, the lower the risk.
Because of their vulnerability cyclists should, in their own interest, wear protective headgear at all times. While it is not a legal requirement it is strongly recommended that cyclists wear a helmet suitable for their head size and ensure it is fitted correctly.
Parents should decide whether their child is fit to cycle on public roads. When doing so they should be confident that their child possesses the appropriate skills and training. It is important that your child understands and is protected against potential hazards.
Children should be taught that a bicycle is a vehicle and must follow the same rules as other road users. Impress on your children that traffic lights apply to cyclists too and that Red means Stop.
Dedicated cycle tracks must be used if available. Footpaths are for pedestrians and not for cyclists.
Ensure the bicycle is a suitable size for your child and that he/she can comfortably apply the brakes.
Check that the bicycle's brakes, lights, reflectors, tyres and bell are in good working order.
Make sure your child is highly visible and wears a reflective belt and bright clothes. The higher the visibility, the lower the risk.
Because of their vulnerability cyclists should, in their own interest, wear protective headgear at all times. While it is not a legal requirement it is strongly recommended that cyclists wear a helmet suitable for their head size and ensure it is fitted correctly.
Traveling by Bus
Teach your child to take special care when getting on or off public transport.
While waiting for a bus get them to stand well in on the footpath or grass verge.
Before crossing the road, they should wait until the bus has moved off and they can see clearly in both directions.
On the bus your child should remain seated until the journey is complete.
If safety belts are provided, they must be worn.
Place school bags under the seat.
While waiting for a bus get them to stand well in on the footpath or grass verge.
Before crossing the road, they should wait until the bus has moved off and they can see clearly in both directions.
On the bus your child should remain seated until the journey is complete.
If safety belts are provided, they must be worn.
Place school bags under the seat.
