Council launches School road safety competition

Creative kids in Westmeath are being encouraged to come up with ideas for a road safety poster in a competition organised by Westmeath County Council in collaboration with the gardaí.

Colm Smyth, road safety officer, Westmeath County Council, said: “The Back to School Road Safety poster competition is designed to highlight the importance of road safety and to foster greater vigilance among drivers, parents, guardians, and students themselves, especially during the busy school drop-off and pick-up times.”

There are prizes for each age category and one overall winner, whose school will receive a separate prize of €200 towards the cost of hosting the Westmeath Sports Partnership Cycle Safe Programme.

Mr Smyth added: “This competition encourages national school students to creatively express the significance of road safety through their artwork, prompting proactive discussions in homes and classrooms about safe practices on the road.

“We want to remind everyone of the heightened need for caution at schools. Children, especially those entering school for the first time, are vulnerable as they navigate their new routines.

“Drivers must be particularly cautious around pedestrian crossings, school buses, and areas where students are entering or exiting vehicles.”

Mr Smyth said parents and guardians are encouraged to engage in conversations about road safety with their children, plan safe routes to school, ensure that seatbelts are always worn, and remind students to stay aware of their surroundings, particularly when walking to school or waiting for buses.

“It’s also vital to discourage the use of mobile phones while walking to ensure full attention is given to the road,” he said. Addressing motorists, he said they are urged to slow down, strictly adhere to speed limits, and remain alert, especially in school zones and residential areas.

“Allowing extra time for journeys can help reduce the temptation to speed and contribute to a safer environment for all road users,” he said.

Cllr Liam McDaniel, cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, said road safety is everyone’s responsibility. “I urge all road users to remind themselves and their children of the road safety messages as they prepare for the walk, cycle, car or bus journey to school.”

Cllr McDaniel said that research shows that children under 12 don’t have the skills and experience needed to be safe in traffic on their own and should be taken to school by an adult. “The RSA website offers videos and guidance on how help get your child safely to school,” he said (see rsa.ie/road-safety/education/getting-to-school-safely).

“Let’s work together to ensure a safe and successful start to the school year for everyone in our community,” said Cllr McDaniel.

For more information on how to participate in the competition, visit westmeathcoco.ie/library or drop in to your local library.

The competition is supported by Westmeath County Council Road Safety, Westmeath Libraries, Active Travel Westmeath, Westmeath Sports Partnership and Westmeath Community Policing.