The Road Safety Authority’s new online Learning Portal is aimed at educating primary and secondary school students on road safety in a fun, interactive and safe learning environment, accessible in the classroom and at home.
The RSA wanted to move with changes so that they could continue to offer a first-class road safety learning experience for all students. The Learning Portal is a new virtual learning hub harnessing innovative technology.
The new virtual space showcases road safety topics including, the Safe Cross Code, seatbelts, distracted driving, the consequences of drink or drug driving, and speeding.
The RSA aims that the site will be a secure online place where RSA educators can lead teachers and their pupils through a heightened learning portal.
To August in 2022, a total of 105 people have died on Irish roads, 17 more than the same period in 2021. Ireland’s fifth government Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 50% over the next 10 years.
Warden fines to double
At the launch of the new online portal Transport Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton announced that she intends to double the fine for failing to stop at a school warden sign. This will see the fine increase from €80 to €160.
The minister said: “School wardens are vulnerable road workers. Their job is to keep children safe. But to do this they put themselves at risk every time they step onto the road. They deserve our respect and a safe working environment. Slow down when in the vicinity of schools, watch out for children and school wardens.”
The ‘Back to School’ campaign
Schools can apply for RSA ‘Back to School’ packs by visiting: http://www.rsa.ie/backtoschool. Primary school packs will include:
• A high visibility vest for every child starting school
• ‘Going to School’ leaflets for junior infants entering education. This is a parent’s guide to getting children to school safely
• A Road Safety Promotional Pack including reflective bag strips to help students be visible while on the roads
• The ‘Educational News’ newsletter
