Donegal Road Safety
Roadshow 2024
17.10.24
INISHOWEN students were
among the Donegal schools, youthreach centres as well as
schools from Derry and Tyrone who attended the Road
Safety Roadshow in the Aura Leisure Centre Complex
Letterkenny last week, on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th
October 2024.
These impactful events are hosted by Donegal Road Safety
Working Group (DRSWG) in association with Donegal County
Council as part of ongoing effort to deliver the
county’s road safety plan, focusing on increasing
awareness and promoting safer behaviours on the roads. |
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Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana
students at the Road Safety Road Show in the Aura,
Letterkenny. Photo Clive Wasson. |
The Road Safety Roadshow
features presentations and first-hand accounts from An
Garda Síochána, the National Ambulance Service, Donegal
Fire Service, a Consultant based within the Emergency
Department of University Hospital Letterkenny, a family
member of a road traffic accident victim and a road
traffic accident survivor. These real-life experiences
are shared alongside music, video clips, television
advertisements, and the shows MC and narration by Oisin
Kelly Highland Radio with support from Mark Gallagher
Highland Radio, creating a powerful and engaging
experience. |
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Students from Carndonagh
Community School at the Road Safety Roadshow in the
Aura, Letterkenny. Photo Clive Wasson. |
Speaking about the
importance of the Road Safety Roadshow, Cathaoirleach of
Donegal County Council, Cllr. Niamh Kennedy stated:
“These events are a vital part of our road safety
programme. Raising awareness and educating our young
people about the dangers they can face on the roads is
how we can make a lasting difference. We want our young
people to stop and think before they get into a car;
whether it’s the driver’s fitness to drive, how fast
they drive, or simply remembering to wear a seatbelt. By
hearing the powerful stories shared and real-life
consequences of road traffic collisions we hope to
instil a sense of responsibility in young people, both
as passengers and future drivers, for their own safety
and the safety of others.” |
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Students from Moville
Community College at the Road Safety Roadshow in the
Aura, Letterkenny. Photo Clive Wasson. |
The show highlights the
importance of road safety education and awareness,
aiming to influence young drivers positively as they
begin their driving journey. The presentations serve as
a reminder of the daily risks faced on the road and
encouraging safer behaviours to protect both drivers and
passengers in the years ahead. |
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Students from Crana
College at the Road Safety Roadshow in the Aura,
Letterkenny. Photo Clive Wasson. |
Recognising that young
people aged 25 and under are among the most vulnerable
to fatal or serious road traffic collisions each year,
the event places a particular focus on this high-risk
group.
Inspector Seamus McGonigle An Garda Siochana stated:
“The annual Road Safety Roadshow is an significant part
of the ongoing campaign to prevent deaths on our roads.
Secondary school students from across the county are
provided with first-hand accounts of the consequences of
driving without care and respect. The content resonates
with young people and has a positive influence on their
behaviour. Unfortunately, young people under 25 continue
to be disproportionately represented amongst those
killed and seriously injured on the roads”. |
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