Donegal County Council has issued a warning that the return to school days brings more traffic in the morning and afternoon.
School buses are picking up children, children walking and on bikes are hurrying to get to school before the bell rings, parents are trying to drop their children off before they go to work.
It is vitally important that motorists slow down and pay attention when children are on the road, especially before and after school. Motorists are being reminded that there will be a significant increase in school going traffic in the coming days.
They should also expect to see a rise in the number of children using the roads to get to school.
Brian O’Donnell, Road Safety Officer said “Parents and teachers spend a lot of time reminding students to practice safety when walking or cycling to school. However, students are not the only road users who need to brush up on their safety skills as a new school year begins. It is imperative for all motorists to reacquaint themselves with safe driving practices as well”.
Donegal County Council Road Safety Offcier Brian O’Donnell. (North West Newspix)
“While some of the most dangerous days of driving belong to summer, going back to school has its own set of perils for both students and motorists alike. Taking time to remind ourselves of what we need to watch out for, and then preparing for how to handle these situations, can go a long way to keeping everyone safe”.
* Know the speed limit.
* Put down the mobile phone.
* Watch for pedestrians.
* Drive slowly past parked cars.
* Never overtake a school bus that is dropping off or picking up children.
Back to school time is busy for parents, children and bus drivers, so each one of us must play our part to help make the roads safe and look out for everyone who uses them. By exercising extra care and caution, we can make the roads safer for everyone.
The RSA also has a number of other road safety resources for teachers and students which aim to promote and encourage road safety among school children.
