Super schools

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has recognised schoolchildren from 10 schools nationwide for their efforts in making the roads safer for road-users across Ireland.

At the annual 'Seatbelt Sheriff' and 'Hi-Glo Silver' awards ceremony at Dublin Castle, the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, called the children in attendance "the future of road safety" and applauded their commitment to ensuring their safety and the safety of others on the road.

Over 265 schoolchildren and their teachers from 10 primary schools attended the ceremony to receive awards for their projects on road safety.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Minister Dempsey said: "I am delighted to be here today to present these awards to children whose creativity and imagination greatly helps us with our job of educating people on how to behave safely on the roads. And last year, more and more people paid attention to our message and changed their behaviour as a result."

The competition, which has been running since 2004, encourages children to get involved in saving lives on the road by educating them on the importance of buckling up and wearing high visibility clothing.

The students from 1st Class at Fossa National School in Co Kerry took first prize in the 'Seatbelt Sheriff' competition for their poster, 'Buckle 'em up, Sheriffs'.

The students from 2nd class in Rearcross National School in Newport, Co Tipperary took first prize in the 'Hi-Glo Silver' competition for their poster, 'In the Night, Show Some Light!'

Noel Brett, CEO of the Road Safety Authority, said: "It is never too early to start educating young people on how to be safe on the road.

"Good road safety behaviour is learned by example and it is up to each and every one of us adults to set the right example by wearing our seatbelts, making sure we are wearing high visibility clothing when out cycling or walking in the dark, and driving safely at all times."