As schools open their doors again, Westmeath Sports Partnership is delighted to be able to lend our support to a new initiative from Westmeath Libraries and Westmeath County Council to promote a ‘Back to School’ road safety poster competition.
Simply design a poster to raise awareness of Road Safety and drop it in to your local Westmeath Library to be in with a chance to win.
Suggested themes include
- Be Bright Be Seen
- Safe routes to school
- Make walking safe
- Cycle Safely
- Be aware, share the road
Eligible age categories are
- 4 – 7
- 8 – 10
- 11 – 13
There will be a variety of prizes for each age category and one overall winner. The overall winner’s school will receive a separate prize of €200 towards the cost of hosting the Westmeath Sports Partnership Cycle Safe Programme.
Entries can be on A4 or A5 sized paper
Entries must have Name, Age, and School contact details
Entries must be returned to your local Westmeath Library by 5pm on Tuesday 1st October
This competition is supported by Westmeath County Council Road Safety Office, Westmeath Community Policing, Active Travel Westmeath, Westmeath Sports Partnership and Westmeath Libraries.
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. Take a few minutes to check out https://www.rsa.ie/road-safety/education/getting-to-school-safely
This initiative 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.
With many children attending school for the first time and others adapting to new routines and drop-off points, it is crucial to prioritise road safety. 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 as schools reopen. 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,” said Colm Smyth, Road Safety Officer, Westmeath County Council.
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.
Drivers 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.
Cllr Liam McDaniel, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, called for extra vigilance saying: “Road safety around schools and school buses is everyone’s responsibility, it’s so important that we all take extra care on our roads. 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.”
Some things you can do to help:
• Take a school bus or carpool
• Park nearby and walk/ cycle the rest of the way
• Check your bike is in good working order before your journey and plan the route to identify potential hazards
• Always wear a helmet when cycling
• Always wear high visibility clothing when walking or cycling
• Drive safely and obey the speed limits
• Park so that your child can leave the car on the footpath side away from traffic
• Pay attention to other children at the side and behind your car when parking or dropping off
• Park so you don’t block the flow of traffic or the access for emergency vehicles
• Do not park in a way that would block the footpaths, a school entrance or exit, residents’ driveways, or junctions
Additional Road safety information is available from the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Let’s work together to ensure a safe and successful start to the school year for everyone in our community.
This competition is supported by Westmeath County Council Road Safety, Westmeath Libraries, Active Travel Westmeath , Westmeath Sports Partnership and Westmeath Community Policing.