Ireland’s Road Safety Authority (RSA) marked National Child Safety Day in October with a nationwide series of events and initiatives focused on protecting Ireland’s youngest and most vulnerable road users.
The day also forms part of Irish Road Safety Week and throughout the week, the RSA’s Nationwide Road Safety Education Service travelled the country — from crèches to college campuses — bringing road safety lessons, activities, and resources to thousands of children, parents, and educators.
“National Child Safety Day is about ensuring every child in Ireland learns how to stay safe on our roads — and that every adult takes responsibility for protecting them,” said Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA.
“The tragic reality is that too many children are still being killed or seriously injured on Irish roads. Every reflective vest worn, every correctly fitted car seat, and every conversation about road safety can save a young life.”
According to the recently-published RSA Child Casualties Report 2020-2024, 39 children aged 0-15 lost their lives and 584 were seriously injured on Irish roads during this five-year period. Almost half (49 per cent) were pedestrians, while one in seven were injured while travelling to or from school.
Children aged 10-15 years are at particular risk, accounting for two-thirds of serious injuries and almost 70 per cent of fatalities among child road users.
