Education > ParentZone >> Partnership 

Road traffic collisions resulting in fatalities and serious injuries are a major concern to many people in Northern Ireland. Children are particularly vulnerable to the dangers on our roads. Rule 7 of “The Highway Code” clearly identifies those with parental control as being responsible for educating their children in the proper and safe use of roads.

Road Safety is primarily influenced by:

In recognition of the important role of those with parental responsibility, the Department of Environment Road Safety Education Officer Service encourages all parents to take time to model responsible road safety practices, e.g. while walking with their young children to the shops or while travelling in cars.

To support the vital role of parents, a partnership exists between the Road Safety Education Officer Service and teachers in Northern Ireland schools. Each school has a Road Safety Education Officer (RSEO) and this officer visits throughout the school year.

Close co-operation between the school and the RSEO ensures teachers are equipped with the help and resources needed to prepare the new generation of road users with the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to enable them to stay safe on our roads.

Whilst road safety issues are fairly common across the spectrum, each school will have its own particular requirements depending on issues such as location, size, pupil’s needs, subjects/programmes offered, etc.

A lot of excellent road safety education is being taught in schools and this helps to contribute to the reduction in casualties. It is therefore crucial that parents and educators work in partnership to provide children with the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to survive on our roads.

For more information, contact the relevant Road Safety Education office.