Mayo County Council’s road safety officer said that children, especially those under five, cannot be responsible for keeping themselves safe.
Noel Gibbons said: “Children from local pre-schools 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.”
He continued: “Seatbelt wearing is extremely important for our safety and that of our children. 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.”
The road safety campaign Belt Up Every Time has the support of the local gardai who will concentrate on non-wearing of occupant restraints over the next few weeks.
