Students from across Donegal, Derry, and Tyrone are attending the Road Safety Roadshow this week to hear messages that both shock and educate, with the aim of making a lasting impression as they start driving journeys.
These impactful events are hosted by Donegal Road Safety Working Group (DRSWG) in association with Donegal County Council as part of ongoing effort to deliver the county’s road safety plan, focusing on increasing awareness and promoting safer behaviours on the roads.
Students from Donegal’s post-primary schools, Youthreach centres as well as schools from neighbouring cross-border counties Derry and Tyrone are attending the sessions this Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Road Safety Roadshow features presentations and first-hand accounts from An Garda Síochána, the National Ambulance Service, Donegal Fire Service, a Consultant based within the Emergency Department of University Hospital Letterkenny, a family member of a road traffic accident victim and a road traffic accident survivor.
These real-life experiences are shared alongside music, video clips, television advertisements, and the shows MC and narration by Oisin Kelly Highland Radio with support from Mark Gallagher Highland Radio, creating a powerful and engaging experience.
Speaking about the importance of the Road Safety Roadshow, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Niamh Kennedy stated “These events are a vital part of our road safety programme. Raising awareness and educating our young people about the dangers they can face on the roads is how we can make a lasting difference. We want our young people to stop and think before they get into a car; whether it’s the driver’s fitness to drive, how fast they drive, or simply remembering to wear a seatbelt. By hearing the powerful stories shared and real-life consequences of road traffic collisions we hope to instil a sense of responsibility in young people, both as passengers and future drivers, for their own safety and the safety of others.”
The show highlights the importance of road safety education and awareness, aiming to influence young drivers positively as they begin their driving journey. The presentations serve as a reminder of the daily risks faced on the road and encouraging safer behaviours to protect both drivers and passengers in the years ahead.
Recognising that young people aged 25 and under are among the most vulnerable to fatal or serious road traffic collisions each year, the event places a particular focus on this high-risk group. Inspector Seamus McGonigle An Garda Siochana stated “The annual Road Safety Roadshow is an significant part of the ongoing campaign to prevent deaths on our roads. Secondary school students from across the county are provided with first-hand accounts of the consequences of driving without care and respect. The content resonates with young people and has a positive influence on their behaviour. Unfortunately, young people under 25 continue to be disproportionately represented amongst those killed and seriously injured on the roads”
The Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G. McLaughlin added, “The Road Safety Roadshow is an important part of Donegal County Council’s ongoing commitment to improving road safety in our county specifically targeting young drivers who are just starting out. Every death or serious injury on our roads brings grief and greatly affects families and communities. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the speakers involved for their dedication and for sharing their personal stories. Without their commitment, this show – and its vital message – would not be possible.”
Loreto Convent, Letterkenny students at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Colaiste na Carraige students at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana students at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Buncrana, Glengad and Letterkenny Youth reach at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
St. Columbas Stranorlar students at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Finn Valley College students at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Errigal College students at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
At the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last are Council and emergency service staff from left Michelle Donaghey, David McSpadden, Karen Hartin, Aidan Callaghan, Joe Alexander, Peter McGee, Pamela Smullen, Donegal County Council Raod Safety Officer, Joe Friel, Chris McNulty, Deloris McDermott, Gareth Gibson, Louise McGeever, RSA and Oisin Kelly and Supreintendant David Kelly. . Photo Clive Wasson
At the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last are Council, emergency service staff and speakers from left Pamela Smullen, Donegal County Council Raod Safety Officer, Michelle Donaghey, David McSpadden, Karen Hartin, Aidan Callaghan, Joe Alexander, Davin Drake, Elaine Kavanagh, Peter McGee, Rachel Elliott, Joe Friel, Chris McNulty, Mark Gallagher, Deloris McDermott, Gareth Gibson, Louise McGeever, RSA and Oisin Kelly and Supreintendant David Kelly. and Photo Clive Wasson
ST Eunans College students at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Colaiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon students at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
St. Catherines , Killybes students at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Colaiste Ailigh, Letterkenny Students at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Deele College, Raphoe students at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
PCC, Falcaragh Students at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
St. Columbas Comprehensive, Glenties students at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Gairm Scoil Mhic Diarmada, Aranmore students at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Rosses Community School students at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Magh Ene College, Bundoran students at the Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group School’s Road Safety road Show in the Aura Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson