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Minister for Education Norma Foley has launched the new Road Safety Matters programme for Transition Year (TY) students. Developed in collaboration with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and supported by An Garda Síochána, the initiative is designed to promote safer road use among students.
The programme provides TY students and their teachers with a comprehensive guide to road safety. Students will gain essential knowledge and skills for responsible road use, whether they plan to drive in the future or remain pedestrians or cyclists.
The Road Safety Matters course consists of ten modules covering topics such as learning to drive, vehicle components, speed, the dangers of alcohol and drugs while driving, road safety for vulnerable users, seatbelt use, and managing distractions while driving. The programme can be delivered over 10 weeks or longer, depending on the school’s timetable. Initially, 143 schools across Ireland will implement the programme.
Minister for Education Norma Foley stated:
“The new Road Safety Authority TY programme is a very important road safety awareness resource for schools. With this new programme, we are taking a big step forward in terms of education for a critical age group of road users. Good quality, evidence-based road safety education at second level is arguably the most efficient and effective way, over time, to equip the entire population with a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities.”
James Lawless, Minister of State at the Department of Transport
, expressed his support, saying:
“The Road Safety Matters programme has been developed as a resource that is engaging and easy to follow and encourages students to apply the theory of road safety to their everyday lives. Educating young people on the importance of how we use the road, the rules of the road and the important awareness of all road users is something they will carry throughout their lives.”
The initiative includes a road safety toolkit, which features resources for both students and teachers. These include a teacher support booklet, a student learning log, webinars, and additional materials to improve students’ knowledge and behaviours on the road.
Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, highlighted the importance of early road safety education:
“We are committed to equipping the next generation of road users with the right knowledge and awareness when it comes to road safety, including at a time when they may be considering getting a driving licence for the first time. Our programme highlights how everyone has an important role to play, no matter what mode of transport they use, and aims to help students by providing them with the right skills and values to become safe road users.”
The Road Safety Matters programme is part of a broader national effort to reduce road fatalities and injuries.
Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman of An Garda Síochána emphasised the need for education:
“Education is crucial in increasing awareness of road safety among young, new drivers in particular. A core element of the national road safety strategy is working together to deliver educational initiatives that give a strong road safety message that everyone needs to hear.”
IPB Insurance has been announced as the official sponsor of the programme. John Hogan, Chair of IPB Insurance, said:
“The new Road Safety Matters TY Programme is a very welcome initiative that we are proud to sponsor as the insurer of Ireland’s road network. Encouraging our young people to become road safety aware is very important to us, and I want to commend the RSA and our government partners in delivering this innovative programme.”
For more details on the RSA Road Safety Matters programme and registration, visit the RSA website.
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