Preschool children in Mayo are getting tattooed as part of a new campaign to remind their parents about the importance of belting up.
The temporary tattoos will see the young children bring a 'Belt Me Up Every Time' message home to their parents.
Speaking about the new campaign, Mayo County Council's road safety officer Noel Gibbons said that children, especially those under five, cannot be responsible for keeping themselves safe.
“Children from local preschools and childcare centres are learning about the importance of seatbelt wearing and road safety over the coming weeks and they will go home wearing tattoos reminding parents to buckle them up safely before they set off on their journey.
“Teachers will speak to children in childcare centres in the coming weeks to help reinforce messages about the importance of seatbelt wearing, holding hands with adults and using the safety door to enter and exit vehicles.”
Mr Gibbons said that, without a safety belt, three out of four people would be killed or seriously injured in a 50km head on collision.
“Children are vulnerable in the road environment and this initiative is effective because teachers tell children and children then tell parents what they have learned. Children love tattoos, and although temporary, they are a visual reminder to parents to always ensure children travel safely.”
