Donegal Gardai have appealed to all road users, parents and guardians to be extra vigilant now that schools are returning in the coming days.
Garda Grainne Doherty of Letterkenny Garda Station issued the appeal.
She said that over the coming days and weeks the roads will be a lot busier with school buses, school bound cars and pedestrians.
She added “We are appealing to all road users to please have a little patience until everyone settles back into a routine once more. Some children will be attending school for the first time and others getting used to new routines and drop off points. Please be mindful of this.
Motorists, please always ensure to slow down, especially when approaching a school or a school bus parking area. Abide by the rules of the road and expect the unexpected at all times. Park so your child can exit the car on the footpath side and away from traffic. Please do not park illegally when doing school drop offs or collections.
“All motorists should leave a little extra time for their journeys as delays as a result of school traffic are to be expected.”
Garda Doherty asked parents to please talk to their children about topics such as safety when they are getting on or off the school bus, safety when they are crossing roads, the importance of wearing their seatbelt, Cycle safety and about how to stay safe and seen as a pedestrian.
“Please ensure that your child will be visible to motorists by giving them hi-vis armbands or vests. Talk to them about the danger of crossing roads while staring into a phone or listening to music. Explain the importance of being alert to the surrounding traffic at all times to them.
“All road users, regardless of whether they drive, cycle or walk should regularly remind themselves of the importance of road safety and they should correct any bad habits that they may have picked up along the way. This applies to each one of us. We all have a shared responsibility when it comes to road safety.
“We hope that all of the children and their teachers will have a safe, productive and a happy new school year ahead.”
