Teachers' Resources

Why should we teach Road Safety to Young People ?

Young children are especially vulnerable to traffic. They're much shorter, so the world seems a lot bigger, and so a car may seem further away than it really is. Their eyesight and hearing are still developing, so they don't see or hear traffic in the same way as adults. They can't focus quickly, and so may not be able to tell if a vehicle is moving or not. Their language skills are still developing, so they may not know the meaning of unusual words like kerb or pavement. Most of all they can't judge the speed or distance of traffic; it's not unusual for them to think that cars aren't as fast as buses or lorries. For young children, big means fast.

It is important for parents and carers to be aware of their responsibilities in teaching young children basic road safety, and we have free support materials available for them. However very young children continue to injure as pedestrians or vehicle occupants and we need to ensure that they themselves are aware of how their behaviour near traffic can help, for example by always holding hands. The resources we have available to nurseries and playgroups will enable children to learn through play and associated activities, fully meeting early learning goals.

Junior Road Safety Officers

Teachers Role

We see the teacher's role as the being the link between the Schools Junior Road Safety Officers and the Road Safety Team.

This scheme aims to deliver Road Safety Education to all 5th and 6th class pupils throughout the year providing Road Safety Activities with support literature for each year group.

Your role will be to act as a mentor to the chosen Junior Road Safety Officer by:-

• Overseeing the scheme
• Giving support and guidance in school
• Provide motivation
• Ensuring they are able to carry out their tasks

The amount of time you will need to provide is expected to be kept to a minimum as the scheme actively encourages them to take responsibility for their jobs. The Road Safety Officer for your school will also be available to offer any support you might need in setting up and running the scheme.

Thank you once again for your anticipated support, should you require further information do not hesitate to contact your School Road Safety Officer.

Junior School Warden Scheme

The Junior School Warden service is designed to provide safe crossing facilities in the vicinity of primary schools in provincial towns and villages where a 50 km/h. speed limit applies adjacent to the school. The Junior School Warden Scheme has been operating in Ireland since 1969. Its' continued success is due to the dedication, hard work and co-operation of all involved in its' implementation, including Garda trainers, school principals, local authorities and most importantly, the pupils themselves.

If a school wishes to be assessed for suitability to partake in this scheme a written application must be submitted to the Roads and Transportation Unit. On receipt of a request for the introduction of a Junior School Warden Scheme, a preliminary examination is carried out by the Council's Road Safety Officer, in consultation with the local Area Engineer, Gardai and other engineering staff to assess traffic and safety factors. Agreement to the scheme is sought from the Gardai, Area Engineer, School Management Board, the School Principal and parents of the children involved. The Council sponsor the scheme and provide the Wardens' uniforms, road markings, signage, etc. Training is carried out by members of the Gardai and Certificates are presented to the Wardens on completion of training.

In the school year, 2006/2007, two schools in County Mayo are taking part in the Scheme. 

School Warden Scheme

The role of a school Traffic Warden is to ensure that school children cross public roads on their way to/from school safely. In general, School Traffic Wardens only patrol areas where primary school (and not secondary school children) cross public roads. Together with the Gardai , School Traffic Wardens are the only officials in Ireland who have the authority to stop other vehicles on public roads.

The law governing the appointment of School Traffic Wardens is (Section 96) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. School Traffic Wardens usually work in the mornings, at lunchtime and in the evenings when children are most likely to cross the road to go to/from school.

School Traffic Wardens wear a distinctive uniform (a white coat, with a black and white hat). Wardens must also carry a distinctive sign (a white disc with a red border and the words "Stop" in the centre).

The School Traffic Warden has the power to exhibit the sign thereby requiring all traffic to stop and remain stopped to enable school children to cross the road in safety. Traffic must remain stopped as long as the Warden exhibits the sign.

For more information, contact:

Road Safety Officer
Mayo County Council
Aras an Chontae
The Mall
Castlebar
Co. Mayo
Phone: 094 9047115
Email:roadsafety@mayococo.ie
9am to 5pm