Primary school children are asked to take part in a new road safety campaign

The initiative is being led by An Garda Síochána.

Christmas is fast approaching and as it's a busy time of year, accidents can easily happen. However, if everyone took a little more care while driving this year, we could help prevent these from occurring. The new road safety campaign launched today as Assistant Commissioner David Sheehan, Roads Policing, speaking at Garda Headquarters said:

"We are asking all national schools to get on-board and send us images of their students and their artwork which raise awareness for road safety. This can be any aspect that a student believes needs to be highlighted, whether it is wearing your seatbelt, reducing your speed, wearing a hi-vis jacket when walking or cycling, not holding a mobile phone when driving, etc."

Students from 6th Class in Presentation Primary School, Bandon, Co. Cork spent the morning with Garda Michael Dunne from the local Roads Policing Unit making posters with the aim of highlighting road safety in the lead-up to Christmas. Talking about the campaign Principal of the school, Carol Leonard said:

"We are delighted to have Garda Dunne come in today and talk to the students and assist in raising awareness about road safety. It is something that we highlight with our students at the earliest possible opportunity. Road Safety is very important because we want to keep our children and families safe on footpaths and on the roads.”

To participate in the initiative schools can email their images to the Guards at corporate.communications@garda.ie no later than midday Monday 17 December 2018 with the school's name and participating class.