The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is marking National Child Safety Day today, Friday, 10th October with a nationwide series of events and initiatives focused on protecting Ireland’s youngest and most vulnerable road users.
The day forms part of Irish Road Safety Week, which runs from Monday, 6 October to Sunday, 12 October. Throughout the week, the RSA’s Nationwide Road Safety Education Service has been travelling the country — from crèches to college campuses — bringing road safety lessons, activities, and resources to thousands of children, parents, and educators.
During the week, the RSA has distributed over 40,000 high-visibility vests and Beep Beep Day packs to pre-schools across Ireland. The packs, provided free of charge each year, help introduce pre-schoolers to essential road safety habits in a fun and engaging way. Activities teach children to hold hands, stop, look and listen before crossing, and include the Safe Cross Code song, posters, and storybooks featuring Simon and Friends.
Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, said: “National Child Safety Day is about ensuring every child in Ireland learns how to stay safe on our roads — and that every adult takes responsibility for protecting them. The tragic reality is that too many children are still being killed or seriously injured on Irish roads. Every reflective vest worn, every correctly fitted car seat, and every conversation about road safety can save a young life.”
The focus on child safety comes against a stark backdrop. According to the recently-published RSA Child Casualties Report 2020-2024, 39 children aged 0-15 lost their lives and 584 were seriously injured on Irish roads during this five-year period. Almost half (49%) of these young victims were pedestrians, while one in seven were injured while travelling to or from school.
Children aged 10-15 years are at particular risk, accounting for two-thirds of serious injuries and almost 70% of fatalities among child road users.
The RSA’s Check It Fits service — a free, nationwide car seat safety initiative — is also active throughout the week. With up to four out of five child car seats found to be incorrectly fitted, the service provides on-site safety checks and demonstrations for parents and guardians. A Check It Fits event will take place at Tony Kealy’s in Coolock, Dublin, on Friday to coincide with National Child Safety Day.
Meanwhile, the Seatbelt Sheriff is visiting primary schools in Louth and Monaghan on Friday. The sheriff teaches children how to cross the road safely, where it is safest to do so in both urban and rural areas, and how to stay visible and protected while cycling. With his signature sheriff hat and friendly, approachable style, he captures the attention of students aged 6 to 13, making serious topics like seatbelt use and passenger safety memorable and meaningful.
StreetSmart has been visiting primary schools in Meath this week – it brings road safety to life in a fun way for young children. Using a pretend streetscape mat and props, children are invited to carry out everyday road safety tasks.
Elsewhere, the RSA Shuttle — a mobile interactive road safety unit — has been engaging with communities in Galway and Sligo.
At third level, the RSA’s College Road Safety Education Programme continues its national tour, visiting the University of Galway and ATU Connemara this week. The programme brings immersive, hands-on road safety experiences to students, tackling issues such as drink and drug driving, fatigue, distraction, and seatbelt use.
Mr. Waide added: “From toddlers to teenagers, we’re working to instil safe habits early and often. Road safety is not just a message — it’s a lifelong skill. National Child Safety Day reminds us that our collective efforts can and do make a difference.”
