ROAD SAFETY MATTERS
TRANSITION YEAR
WELCOME TO ROAD SAFETY MATTERS
Road Safety Matters is an educational road safety toolkit designed to support teachers and TY students. The road safety toolkit has an eclectic mix of resources. Updates will be available as information is updated.
It is a simple step-by-step guide in preparing, educating and supporting students as safe road users. It aims to enrich student’s understanding of how our roads are shared spaces and how we can prepare and practice to ensure we are all safe road users.
The resource is designed in a concise, easy to follow and engaging format. It includes a range of activities which will encourage students to apply the theory to road safety and understand the choices available to them.
Aim:
Road Safety Matters (Senior Cycle) is a road safety programme aimed at TY students to help them develop the knowledge, skills, values and dispositions to become safe road users. Students learn how everyone shares the road and how they have a personal responsibility to remain as safe road users. In the future we would like you to be prepared as a road user and a safe driver if you decide to drive.
Remember, it’s about all road users.
The resource is divided into 10 achievable units. The following are the 10 units: Unit 1 Setting the Scene
These units are flexible; they can be delivered over a 10 week period or you may opt to deliver it for a longer period depending on time and timetabling in TY.
• Teacher Support Booklet
• Student Portfolio — Learning Log
• Templates
• PowerPoints
• Webinars
• Resources to support road safety
• Additional road safety material
This toolkit will support road safety competencies in terms of knowledge, attitudes and behaviours.
This road safety resource will support and prepare students as road safety users now and in the future. Ensure to complete your learning log and all the various activities.
Finally, wishing you every success with the road safety programme now and in the future
Good luck and most importantly be a safe road user.
The Road safety toolkit consists the following
SETTING THE SCENE
1 SETTING THE SCENE
TOP TOPICS
BEFORE WE BEGIN
Instructions: Attempt this Anticipation Exercise below. Read each statement and indicate by inserting a tick (✔) on the left, if you agree or disagree. Revisit this exercise when you complete the unit. Have you changed your mind/attitudes?
Place a tick (✔) if you agree / disagree about the following statements:
Are you a safe person?
Aim: Road Safety Matters (Senior Cycle) is a road safety programme aimed at TY students to help them develop the knowledge, skills, values and dispositions to become safe road users. Remember, it’s about all road users.
Students learn how everyone shares the road and how they have a personal responsibility to be safe road users. In the future we would like you to be prepared as a road user and a safe driver if you decide to drive.
The Road Safety Matters TY programme is divided into 10 units.
This programme is about creating an awareness of road safety and becoming safer road users now and in the future. We hope that you continue to be a safe person, keep up-to-date with the Rules of the Road and know the importance of a shared space for all road users
It is important to realise that road safety is an essential life skill and competency.
2. All Road Users
Commence by asking students ‘ what is road safety ’?
Who are road users? It’s important to realise that there are many road users from the most vulnerable to the most protected.
Typical road users include:
• Pedestrians
• Horse riders
• Cyclists
• Motorcyclists
• e-scooters
• Car drivers
3. The Safe Person Concept
• Others: Lorries Buses/Tractors…
Remember it’s not just you on the road, it could be the child in a buggy, the old person who takes longer to cross the road.
Based on the concept of a safety culture where individuals:
• Regard that safety has a ‘value’ to themselves
• Place an emphasis on safe behaviour
• Take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others
• Are willing and able to act on their sense of responsibility What might the safe person look like?
• You need to take personal responsibility for your actions.
• Be aware of your personal safety in the wider environment.
• Consider the safety of family, friends, neighbours and others in the community.
• Consider the safety of all road users
• As a society we cannot eliminate risk with 100% certainty.
• Safety is the responsibility of everyone.
• Be safety aware and be an informed road user
Fact or myth?
An estimated 1.2 million lives are cut short by road traffic collisions globally each year. KNOW IT DO IT APPLY IT
Remember actions have consequences.
This goes for road users too!
Laws
Remember there are laws to protect all road users. Our government helps us create safe roads through legislation. We are also a member of the European Union (EU) and we must adhere to EU standards too.
4. Rights and Responsibilities — as individuals we have rights and responsibilities. We need to be aware of hazards and risks.
Right
A right is what you can and cannot do. Can you give an example of a right?
Responsibility
A responsibility is a duty or obligation. State a road safety responsibility.
Hazard
A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm. Can you name a road safety hazard?
Risk
A risk is the chance of that harm occurring. Can you name a road safety risk?
Road safety is a responsibility shared by everyone using the roads.
As the number of vehicles have increased rapidly, so have the risks for all road users.
To ensure you are responsible, you need to be aware of your surroundings, from the road, footpath, bike and bus lanes to checking blind spots. You need to respect all road users and value yours and their safety. If driving, you need to drive within speed limits and conform to the Rules of the Road.
5. Driving in Ireland
The Rules of the Road sets out the laws and details best driving practices for safety on the roads. These rules are for all road users. You must know the rules to pass your driver theory test and your driving test. However learning about road safety doesn’t stop once you pass your driving test – the rules are updated regularly and you have a responsibility to practice and apply these rules.
Road safety is a life-long learning process.
Driving in Ireland
Our roads: We have motorways, dual carriageways, national roads, secondary roads and smaller local roads. In Ireland, we drive on the left-hand side of the road unlike most of the rest of the EU.
Our weather:
Whist it’s unusual to get extreme weather conditions, we have rain regularly which can make the roads dangerous.
Overtaking:
Some drivers take risks and overtake multiple cars.
Our cars:
Newer cars have been updated with safety features, other cars may not have the safety features. Other drivers may modify cars and not realise the dangers.
Our mobile phones:
It is illegal to hold or use phones whilst driving.
Our Rules of the Road:
The Rules of the Road is a comprehensive set of rules available and you need to know them, do them and apply them.
Plan your journey:
Allow for extra time as on country roads, it can take a lot longer.
Finally, be patient, courteous and a safe driver to all road users and remember: the learning never stops.
MY ROAD SAFETY LEARNING BOARD
Create a brochure/video showing your understanding of all road users.
Presentation / Vlog
Working with others: Create a two minute presentation on Road Safety Matters
Be Creative and create a visual using the material covered in this unit
Working with others: Create a mind map/poster/little booklet/other.
Competencies
Insert a tick (✔) to show competencies learned and developed.
and solving problems
Describe how you developed a competency.
Remember
Revisit ‘Check your Thoughts’ at the beginning of this unit. Place a tick (✔) on the right hand side if you agree or disagree with the statement. Have you changed your opinion?
LEARNING TO DRIVE
LEARNING TO DRIVE
TOP TOPICS
3. Rules of the Road
4. You as a driver and your responsibility
5. Learner Drivers — Unaccompanied and the consequences
BEFORE WE BEGIN
Instructions: Attempt this Anticipation Exercise below. Read each statement and indicate by inserting a tick (✔) on the left, if you agree or disagree. Revisit this exercise when you complete the unit. Have you changed your mind/attitudes?
Place a tick (✔) if you agree / disagree about the following statements:
Should the Government increase essential driver training?
Step 1: Theory test
You can book an appointment to sit your driver theory test at one of 40 centres nationwide. Ensure you know and have revised the official RSA theory test material.
Check locations and have your ID requirements e.g. Public Services Card (with photograph) or your passport.
Step 2: A learner permit
You must pass your theory test to apply for a learner permit, and you must apply within 2 years.
This allows you to learn to drive on public roads and you must always have it with you when you are driving. You need a learner permit to take driving lessons. You must have it for 6 months before you can apply for a driving test.
Step 3: Essential Driver Training
Before taking the driving test, you must complete 12 Essential Driver Training EDT with an RSA Approved Driving Instructor. They must be spread over 6 months with a minimum of a 2 week break between lessons. In between lessons you must have a minimum of 3 hours practice with a sponsor. It is so important to practise your driving skills. It is recommended that you complete a minimum of 48 hours of driving training before you sit your driving test. Why?
• It’s all about
a safer road and saving lives
• It will increase the pass rate for the driving test.
• The purpose of the EDT is to save lives.
• Getting a driving licence is a privilege not a right.
• As a learner driver you are exposed to greater risks when using the roads due to inexperience.
• Maximising your road safety knowledge and behaviours helps you to develop the skills and confidence needed to share the road safely with others.
• By completing EDT you will build a strong foundation on which to become a better and safer driver.
• The more you practise the better prepared you are for the driving test.
Progression management
Correct positioning 2 6. Anticipation and reaction
7. Sharing the road 8. Driving safely through traffic
9. Changing direction 2
10. Speed management
11. Driving calmly 12. Night Driving
However, it’s not just about learning for the driving test, it’s Learning for LIFE
Most people fail their test because they don’t pay attention to a little detail!
It is important to have a good sponsor. Who will your sponsor be? Remember they must have had a full licence for 2 years.
They play a really important role in your learning to drive process. They participate also by providing feedback and support you with your driving.
Completing the Learner logbook is essential and this affords you the opportunity to reflect and learn from any mistakes.
Step 4: Driving test
You must know the Rules of the Road and be able to drive competently in accordance with those rules. Ensure that you are well prepared and practise your driving skills before the test.
The driving test lasts about 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
It commences with technical questions about the Rules of the Road, the functionality of your car, and you may also be asked to point out different parts under the bonnet, such as how to check oil levels, or which part is the engine.
You then participate in the driving element and are examined on your practical driving skills.
Passing your driving test
When you pass the driving test, you are issued with a certificate of competency. However, you must abide by the rules of your learner permit until you are issued with a full driving licence
Step 5: Driving Licence
Remember a driving licence is a privilege, not a right. You must remember you are inexperienced. It takes practice, skills and confidence required to share the road safely with others.
Ensure to keep up-to-date with the Rules of the Road, as there are always new inventions, changes to the rules are updated regularly and the more you learn and practice, the safer driver you will be.
If you didn’t have sufficient oil in your engine, what may happen?
Did you know that there are different codes on your licence e.g. 115 — Organ Donor.
2 . L Plates
L stands for learner and L-plates are a warning to other drivers that you are learning to drive.
When you pass your driving test and take off the L-plates, you have to replace them with N-plates. N stands for novice and N-plates identify novice drivers, who have passed their driving test but are still learning. Novice drivers must display the letter N on the front and back, for a period of 2 years after getting their first full licence.
The main differences between L plates and N plates are that learner drivers must be accompanied by a person who has held a full licence for a motorcar for two years and learner drivers cannot drive on a motorway. Novice drivers can drive on the motorway. However, a novice driver may not act as an accompanying driver for a learner
Why? Research shows that drivers are most likely to be killed while driving in the first two years after passing their test.
Penalty Points.
An L driver unaccompanied by a qualified driver:
Up to 4 Penalty Points plus a €160 fine and the car seized.
3. Rules of the Road
The purpose of the Rules of the Road is to save lives and prevent injury from collisions on our roads. The rules apply to all road users. It is important to have a good understanding of these rules to pass your driver theory test and your driving test. But learning about road safety doesn’t stop once you pass your driving test – the rules are updated regularly and the more you learn and practice, the safer driver you will be.
The Rules of the Road is published by the RSA and can be downloaded here.
You must have a satisfactory knowledge of these Rules of the Road to get a driving licence. Learning about road safety doesn’t stop once you pass a driving test. It is an ongoing process. The rules of the road are an interpretation of the law from a road safety point of view.
4. You as a driver and your responsibility
You must obey the rules of the road.
Safety is your main responsibility: the safety of you as a driver, your passengers and all road users.
When you pass the driving test, it is only the start of your learning. Driving has changed over the years as well as roads, laws and vehicles. You need to maintain a safe distance behind others and always anticipate potential hazards. You need to understand and apply the controls of the car, correct positioning, plan your journey, scan the road ahead and be aware of blind spots. You need to be able change direction safely and ensure you know how to drive at night. You need to be able expect the unexpected and share the road with all road users.
Finally, you need to be proactive, observant and take actions that prevent collisions.
5. Learner
drivers
A learner permit holder must be accompanied at all times by someone who has held a full, valid driving licence in the same category for a minimum of 2 years.
Remember:
• The car must be insured and taxed.
• The car has passed its NCT test. (If the car is 4 years or over)
• The car must be serviced and roadworthy.
• All discs must be displayed on the windscreen.
MY ROAD SAFETY LEARNING BOARD
Source a video from YouTube on learning to drive and create tips on learning to drive.
Identify a suitable sponsor as per the work folder.
Create a MyGovID account.
Theory Test Questions:
1. A learner driver who has been stopped by a Garda for driving unaccompanied faces a minimum fine of how much?
a: €160
2. Where should L-plates be displayed on cars?
a: Both front and rear
3. What should the driver do when driving a vehicle they are not familiar with?
a: Initially drive with extra care and at a lower speed until fully familiar with the vehicle.
4. What should the driver be aware of in this situation?
a: Slowing down and being prepared to react. When you are approaching a bend or corner with a restricted view you should slow down if necessary and be prepared to react to any changes in the traffic situation.
5. What should a driver be most aware of in this situation?
a. Children may unexpectedly run out from between parked cars. When driving in a residential area you need to take account of the danger you might pose to children playing. You should always observe warning signs relating to children and drive accordingly.
Be safe… Be aware… Be a competent road user.
Presentation / Vlog
Working with others: Create a two minute presentation on learning to drive
Working with others: Create a mind map/poster/little booklet/other. eflection
Be Creative and create a visual using the material covered in this unit
Competencies
Insert a tick (✔) to show competencies learned and developed.
Thinking and solving problems Being Creative Communicating Working with others Participating in society Cultivating wellbeing
Describe how you developed a competency.
Remember
Revisit ‘Check your Thoughts’ at the beginning of this unit. Place a tick (✔) on the right hand side if you agree or disagree with the statement. Have you changed your opinion?
COMPONENTS OF A CAR
Do you know the different components of a car? KNOW IT DO IT APPLY IT
BEFORE WE BEGIN
Instructions: Attempt this Anticipation Exercise below. Read each statement and indicate by inserting a tick (✔) on the left, if you agree or disagree. Revisit this exercise when you complete the unit. Have you changed your mind/attitudes?
Place a tick (✔) if you agree / disagree about the following statements:
Create it. Working with others, students can create a wordle on the components of a car, or a visual. www.edwordle.net
Components
My Car
It is the responsibility of the owner and/or driver of a vehicle to make sure it’s in a roadworthy condition at all times when used in a public place. All parts and equipment of a vehicle must be in good and efficient working order.
The Car:
• Must have a valid NCT.
• Must be roadworthy.
• Serviced every 15,000km or once a year.
Whilst some of the units are more on driver behaviour, it’s important to be aware of the mechanical factors too.
Some interesting questions about you driving your car:
1. Can you see?
2. Can you be seen?
3. Can you steer the vehicle?
4. Can you grip the road?
5. Can you stop the vehicle?
It’s important that your windscreen is clean, with good visibility and wipers in working conditions. Regardless of whether you are travelling during daylight hours or at night-time, it is important that your vehicle is properly lit and visible and all lights should be in good working condition.
The suspension system affects both the driver’s control of the car and the comfort of the occupants. The springs allow the wheels to
move up to absorb bumps in the road and reduce jolting, while the dampers prevent bouncing up and down. Suspension system issues can cause steering problems, also low or leaking power steering fluid, worn steering column bushings or a failing power steering pump can all cause this problem. Regardless, driving with steering issues is unsafe.
Having adequate tread depth in your tyres allows them to grip the road and prevent your wheels from spinning or sliding.
Finally, you need to have your brakes in order to ensure you can stop the vehicle.
Note: there are safety standards for vehicle components such as lighting, seatbelts, vehicle glass, tyres, frontal protection systems and engine technology.
Tyres
Tyres contribute to safe driving. They are the only point of contact between you and the road so it is vital that they are maintained correctly.
What should I check with my tyres?
1. The right type and size for your vehicle.
2. Tyre inflation pressure
3. Tread depth — the minimum legal permitted tread depth is 1.6mm but the RSA recommends changing all tyres at 3mm. You can use a €1 coin, as shown, to ensure your tyre’s tread depth is above 1.6mm.
4. Condition of all tyres — look for defects such as sidewall tear, exposed plies, penetration damage, bulges, etc.
Your safety, along with the safety of your passengers and other road users, could depend directly on the condition of your vehicle’s tyres.
Be careful buying second-hand tyres.
Lighting
It is so important that the external lights in a vehicle are in working order. It is advised to do regular weekly checks to ensure your lights are in working order.
Each light has a different purpose. The colour helps us distinguish the different function of the light.
Headlights — are white as the light is used by the driver to see the road ahead. Full headlights are more powerful and show the road up 300 metres ahead but can be dazzling to other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooters. In built-up areas and when there is oncoming traffic, dipped headlights should be used as they have a minimum range of 30 metres.
Tail lights —are red to show other drivers where that car is. Tail lights could be white but that would confuse drivers as they would not be able to distinguish if the car is coming toward them or driving in the same direction. Rear red lights (tail lights) and brake lights are absolutely necessary to warn traffic coming behind you.
Indicator Lights — Amber lights located at the front, the rear and sometimes at the side of vehicles on both the left and right-hand sides. You must use your indicators to indicate your intention to change the direction of your vehicle. Use them in good time, giving other road users plenty of time to react and adapt to your signal. Once you have completed the manoeuvre make sure the indicator is cancelled, otherwise you may confuse other motorists.
Reversing Lights — When a car is put into reverse gear either one or two white lights are activated at the rear of the car. This will help the driver to manoeuvre the car especially in darkness. It also serves as a useful warning to other road users that the car is reversing.
Fog Lights — Can help improve visibility in foggy weather. Only use fog lights in dense fog or falling snow. Remember to switch off fog lights when visibility improves.
Hazard Warning Lights — These may be used when your vehicle is stationary to warn others that your car is temporarily obstructing traffic. You must not use hazard warning lights unless you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead.
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) — DRL make vehicles easier to see and hence increase road safety by reducing the number and severity of road traffic collisions. They involve motorists either using their dipped headlights during the hours of daylight or using dedicated DRL.
Costs of Driving
Before you begin
• Theory test resources
• Theory Test Fee
• Learner’s permit
• 12 EDT Lessons
• Driving Test Fee
• Driver’s licence
After you start driving
• Car
• Insurance
• Tax
• Fuel
• Tyres
• Servicing
• Parts that need to be replaced
• Other costs
Example of Warning Lights
Examine the vehicle dashboard for warning lights. If a warning is present, as a general rule, yellow lights mean “check as soon as possible”, red means “stop vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so”.
Some common examples are outlined below:
If you are unsure about any symbol appearing on your dashboard, please refer to your Owner‘s Manual or contact the original manufacturer.
Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Check as soon as possible.
Yellow light
Red light
MY ROAD SAFETY LEARNING BOARD
Create a brochure showing your understanding of the components of a car.
A good idea is to have one group of students demonstrate their understanding of an electric car.
Use the tyre depth gauge in the pack to show students how to check a tyre. Do a sample check in the car park and report on the findings.
What car would you like to drive? Presently, what is the cost to buy this car?
Theory Test Questions
1. What is the purpose of daytime running lights on a vehicle?
a: To increase the vehicle’s visibility in daylight hours.
2. What should a driver do if a system warning light lights up on the dashboard of their vehicle whilst driving?
a: Stop and check the problem.
3. Under what circumstances would a driver increase the air pressure in the tyres?
a: When taking a journey with additional passengers.
4. What effect does low tyre pressure have on a vehicle?
a: Braking and cornering are impaired.
5. During a weekly check, a driver notices a badly worn front tyre. What should the driver do?
a: Have the worn tyre replaced.
Competencies
Insert a tick (✔) to show competencies learned and developed.
Thinking and solving problems Being Creative Communicating Working with others Participating in society Cultivating wellbeing
Describe how you developed a competency.
Remember
Revisit ‘Check your Thoughts’ at the beginning of this unit. Place a tick (✔) on the right hand side if you agree or disagree with the statement. Have you changed your opinion?
SPEED
TOP TOPICS
8. Enforcement and Penalties
BEFORE WE BEGIN
Instructions: Attempt this Anticipation Exercise below. Read each statement and indicate by inserting a tick (✔) on the left, if you agree or disagree. Revisit this exercise when you complete the unit. Have you changed your mind/attitudes?
Place a tick (✔) if you agree / disagree about the following statements:
Define Speed and Speeding
Walking Debate
Ask students to either strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree with the statement. Use the four corners of the room.
Discuss with students why?
Fact
The World Health Organisation has estimated that a 5% reduction in speed could result in a 30% reduction in fatal collisions.
Word Exercise
Working
1. What is speed?
Speed is one of the main factors in fatal road collisions
Just a few km/h over the limit could be the difference between life and death.
The responsibility for maintaining an appropriate speed lies solely with the driver.
When discussing speed, the following are questions to commence this unit:
• Who do you consider the mostly likely to speed?
• Who are affected by inappropriate speed?
• Does the environment (weather conditions, infrastructure, type of vehicle etc.) impact on speed?
• Do you think people will always speed?
• What could you do to get them to stop speeding?
• Have you ever been a passenger in a car that was speeding? How did it make you feel?
• Have you ever felt unsafe in a car? What might you say to slow the driver down?
2. Understanding speed limits
30, 50, 60, 80, 100 and 120km
A speed limit is the maximum speed you should travel at, it is not a target. Also it doesn’t mean that it’s safe to drive at this speed in all conditions.
Different speed limits:
The Speed limit is the maximum. It is not a TARGET.
Factors to Consider — Limit not a Target
Don’t exceed the speed limits. If you’re going too fast to react to what’s ahead of you in time, you’re putting yourself, your passengers and other road users at risk.
Factors to take into consideration
• Driving conditions: traffic after a football match, a country road...
• Other road users: Pedestrians, Cyclists, E-Scooters, Horse Riders, Motorcyclists, School Children and Tractors
• Weather conditions: floods, fog, frost, snow, hailstones, rain, splashes from other vehicles
• All possible hazards: You - your physical and mental state, other drivers, your vehicle. What you can see and cannot see but should reasonably expect (e.g. Children running out onto road)
• The speed limit: applicable at that location
Speed and slowing down.
If you feel the driver is driving too fast, don’t be afraid to say so. You might try saying: “I’m sorry but I’m not a good passenger. Could you please slow down.”
This should cause no offence to the driver. Alternatively you could say that you are feeling unwell. No driver likes to have their car interior spoilt! However, if the driver still refuses to slow down then you must be direct, after all you might save his or her life as well as other road users.
Some interesting facts:
In a 60 km/h zone, travelling at:
• 65 km/h, you are 2 times as likely to have a serious crash
• 70 km/h, you are 4 times as likely to have a serious crash
• 75 km/h, you are 10 times as likely to have a serious crash
• 80 km/h, you are 32 times as likely to have a serious crash than if you drive at 60 km/h!
Hard and fast facts
Pedestrians hit by a car...
at 30km/h — 1 in 10 will die
at 50km/h — 5 in 10 will die
at 60 km/h — 9 in 10 will die
3. The Two Second Rule
The recommended safe distance on a dry road between cars in Ireland is two seconds
The Two Second Rule
As a driver you are advised to ensure they are at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of them. The gauge is if you’re driving on a dry road, choose a fixed point ahead, e.g. a street light. When the vehicle in front passes that point (the street light), say out loud,
‘Only a fool breaks the two-second rule’.
This will help you work out if you’ve enough distance between you and the vehicle ahead. If you have already passed your chosen point by the time you get to the end of the sentence, you are driving too close to the vehicle in front and need to pull back.
This distance should increase in poor weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or snow. Factors such as road conditions, visibility, and vehicle speed can affect the safe distance, so always adjust your driving behaviour accordingly. Adjust the two second rule by two if you are driving on wet roads.
Maintaining a safe distance is crucial in preventing collisions and ensuring your safety on the road.
Research and international experience shows that the number and severity of road collisions tends to decrease when there is a decrease in average speed.
4. Stopping Distances — Wet
Braking distances: If the road is wet, you must double this distance, your tyres will have less of a grip.
say ‘Only a fool breaks the two-second rule’ x 2
When driving in snowy, foggy, or icy conditions, say, ‘Only a fool breaks the two-second rule’ x 4
Why? It takes longer to come to a complete stop when roads are wet or icy. You should always adjust your driving style to match the conditions.
Stopping distances — Wet
Stopping distances needed to bring a vehicle to a complete stop vary enormously depending on the speed, vehicle and the weather conditions.
• Crashing into an object at 50 km/h is like falling from a 3 storey building
• Crashing into an object at 65 km/h is like falling from a 5 storey building
• Crashing into an object at 80 km/h is like falling from a 8 storey building
• Crashing into an object at 95 km/h is like falling from a 12 storey building
The Faster the Speed, the Bigger the Mess.
5. Loose Objects
Loose items in your vehicle can become dangerous missiles in the event of a crash.
These loose objects can cause serious injury to you and your passengers.
To safeguard loose objects you should:
• Store all luggage and big or heavy items in the boot of your vehicle
• Remove or limit the amount of smaller loose objects in your vehicle and properly secure them, e.g. mobile phones, laptops, work tools, etc.
Secure any loose items in your car!
Why do you think car manufacturers design cars to go at ???? when the limit is a lot less.
We all need to take responsibility and slow down.
Can you stop when driving?
Can you stop when conditions are wet, etc.?
It’s about you as a driver and your car!
6. Rural Roads
There are almost 100,000 kilometres of roads in Ireland, from motorways to narrow, single lane rural roads. Although the national road infrastructure has been greatly improved in recent years, many local roads, in particular rural roads are still very narrow and have no ‘hard shoulder’.
Some rural roads can have poor surfaces with even poorer visibility. All these elements can make it challenging whilst driving on rural roads at the best of times. Also night time driving, no street lights and dangerous bends add to the danger.
Driving in rural areas you can occasionally meet tractors and animals on the road so it is important to drive slowly and carefully.
Research from the RSA informs that a high number of road fatalities occur on our rural roads.
Always expect the unexpected!
7. Speed and Other Road Users
Your driving speed influences the risk of injury to you, your passengers, and other road users.
Also some drivers mimic others, they perceive others are speeding, and as such speed as well. Speeding, even “only a bit over” the speed limit, has become a common practice for some.
Inappropriate speed also magnifies other driver errors, such as driving too close or driving when tired or distracted.
Peer pressure can also be an issue, in particular for younger drivers, as passengers are thought to have a significant impact on the safety of a vehicle driven by a young driver. This can be through passengers distracting the young driver, or encouraging risky behaviours such as driving above the speed limit. This means that young drivers sometimes drive faster when they are carrying young passengers, which increases their chances of being involved in a crash/collision.
You are also putting the most vulnerable road users at risk with speeding.
Drive with expectancy to react, expect the unexpected.
Travelling slightly slower than the average speed of other traffic may actually reduce the chance of a serious crash. What might be the unexpected?
8. Enforcement and Penalties of Speed
Enforcement: Speeding is detected in two ways?
• Garda Speed Check with Speed Gun
• Safety Camera Van
The Safety Camera van carries out speed checks on the road. They are detecting motorists speeding.
They are called the Safety Camera Van and not the Speed Camera Van.
Why? It is for the safety of everyone. They hope to have drivers reduce their speed, which will reduce the number of speed related collisions and therefore SAVE LIVES
Note: Safety Camera Vans cost the Government more to operate than they take in on fines from people speeding. However this loss in revenue is justified due to the number of lives saved.
Penalty points are designed to encourage safe driving and reduce casualties on our roads.
Penalty point offences are recorded on your driving licence record if:
• You are convicted of a driving offence that attracts penalty points, or
• You are served with a fixed charge notice for an alleged offence that attracts penalty points and you opt to pay the fine. If the fine is not paid it will be referred to the courts where a higher number of penalty points will apply.
If you build up 12 or more penalty points (as a fully licenced driver) or 7 or more penalty points (as a learner or novice driver) in 36 months, you will receive a notice telling you that you have been banned from driving for 6 months from a particular date.
It is an offence to drive over the speed limit. If you drive over the speed limit, you will get 3 penalty points and a fixed charge fine of €160.
Have you seen a safety camera van?
What do drivers do?
Have you observed electronic signs that tells you your speed?
MY ROAD SAFETY LEARNING BOARD
Scenario: Community
There has been an increase in collisions and crashes in your home area, causing serious consequences. The local community group is going to call a meeting, a think tank to discuss what needs to be done and how can this be achieved. The organisers have specifically looked for many stakeholders to attend the meeting and give a 1 minute presentation/ speech.
1. Garda — law enforcement
2. Member RSA — support
3. Local Road Engineer
4. Local politician
5. A family who suffered a major road tragedy
6. Student: learning to drive
7. Young N driver
8. A cyclist
9. Pedestrian
10. E-Scooter
Option 2: Contact the local Garda station and arrange to do a speed detection exercise with the class.
Top Five Theory questions
1. What is the recommended minimum stopping distance for a car travelling at 50km/h on a dry road?
a: 25 metres
2. What is the recommended minimum stopping distance for a car travelling at 50km/h on a wet road?
a: 36 Metres
3. Subject to the speed limit, what is the ‘safest’ speed to drive at?
a: The speed that will enable the driver to stop the vehicle within the distance ahead that they can see to be clear.
4. What effect does the carrying load have on a vehicle’s braking ability?
a: It increases the distance required to stop.
5. What should a driver do to avoid the need for harsh braking?
a: Look ahead and be prepared for what others may do.
Assign students a different role. It is important that everyone listens from the different perspectives.
IT
Working
Competencies
Insert a tick (✔) to show competencies learned and developed.
Thinking and solving problems Being Creative Communicating Working with others Participating in society Cultivating wellbeing
Describe how you developed a competency.
Remember
Revisit ‘Check your Thoughts’ at the beginning of this unit. Place a tick (✔) on the right hand side if you agree or disagree with the statement. Have you changed your opinion?
ALCOHOL 5
BEFORE WE BEGIN UNIT 5
Instructions: Attempt this Anticipation Exercise below. Read each statement and indicate by inserting a tick (✔) on the left, if you agree or disagree. Revisit this exercise when you complete the unit. Have you changed your mind/attitudes?
Place a tick (✔) if you agree / disagree about the following statements:
Create it. Working with others, students can create a wordle on drunk driving, or a visual. www.edwordle.net
Walking Debate
Ask students to either strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree with the statement. Use the four corners of the room.
Discuss with students why?
Alcohol has an effect on our driving.
1. What is alcohol?
Alcohol beverages can be categorised into 3 main types:
• Wines
• Spirits
• Beer
Alcohol is an ingredient found in the above drinks, and it’s the alcohol that makes you drunk. The alcohol in drinks is called ethanol, which is made when yeast ferments the sugars in grains, fruits and vegetables. For example, wine is made from the sugar in grape.
2. What are measures?
A standard drink is a measure of alcohol which contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. The standard drink is an indication of how much alcohol is consumed in a given beverage. It takes your body one hour to process one Standard Drink.
However this is only a guide, as other factors that will affect this time including age, gender, weight, and alcohol strength, the speed of your metabolism and how many drinks you consumed.
A half pint of beer, with alcohol content of 4.5% is one standard drink. This will help a driver make an informed decision about their drinking. If the wine contained 14% alcohol, one small glass would put you over the limit for driving.
Approximate standard drinks for beer, wine and spirits:
However, these examples include numerous drinks which have a variety of alcohol content.
3.
Alcohol affects your ability to drive. You increase your risk of a collision after you have been drinking. Even after one drink, the alcohol can affect your reactions, coordination, concentration, judgement and vision.
The more alcohol you consume as a driver the more it affects your ability to drive.
When you’re on the road, one drink is too many!
If you plan to drive, it’s best not to drink at all.
Drink driving
The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) test is commonly used to see if a person has been drinking recently. It is also called a blood alcohol content test. This test can find alcohol in your blood for up to 12 hours after drinking. It can also show the amount of alcohol that you drank.
The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit is 50 milligrams (mg) for all drivers, and 20 mg for specified drivers, defined as learner or newly qualified drivers (for a period of two years after passing their driving test) or professional drivers (of buses, goods vehicles and public service vehicles).
Toxicology tests show that alcohol is detected in more than a third of drivers killed in crashes.
If you plan to drive, it is best not to drink at all.
The message is simple — Never Ever Drink and Drive
Remember it is not safe to get into a car with a driver that has consumed alcohol. Don’t be afraid to speak up and say no — otherwise you may live with the consequences.
Beer impairment goggles will show the effects of drinking alcohol and driving as part of our Road Safety Matters programme. They are easy to use, simply slip the goggles over your head and you’ll begin to experience the simulated effects of alcohol and how it affects our bodies. They can really help to engage and have a great discussion on the effects of alcohol.
The Beer Goggles simulate effects of impairment.
Effects include the following: Reduced alertness, slower reaction time, confusion, double vision and poor judgement.
The beer goggles allow you to experience the real-life risks of drink impairment on safety.
4. Beer Googles
Activities may include:
• Walk the line
• Touch your nose
• Toss a ball
• Stack cups
• Combine some of the above.
First time: Individually give a task to a student without the Beer Goggles: walk a straight line and touch your nose. Other students can observe and document the difference.
Second time: Wear the beer goggles and complete tasks. This will demonstrate the effects of alcohol.
4. Penalties
The maximum penalty solely for drink driving is €5,000 or 6 months in prison or both.
An Garda Síochána reveals the total number of arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs for 2023 was 8,863. A total of 46,165 Mandatory Intoxicant Testing Checkpoints were conducted last year.
MY ROAD SAFETY LEARNING BOARD
Chose an advertisement or a poster on drinking and driving. Comment on the advertisement/poster.
Top Five Theory questions
1. What effect does alcohol have on a driver?
a. It reduces concentration
2. What is the possible consequence for a learner driver if they drive after drinking as little as just one unit of alcohol?
a. A three month disqualification from driving.
3. Can an Garda Síochána conduct road side testing for drugs and alcohol in the mornings?
a. Yes, they can check at any time.
4. A driver is automatically disqualified from driving for how long if, on a first offence, they refused to provide a member of An Garda Síochána with a sample of blood, urine or breath?
a. 4 years.
5. What is the maximum disqualification period imposed in court when the learner driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level in excess of 80mg?
a. Six years.
Think?
Who is it aimed at? What’s the message?
Presentation / Vlog
Working with others: Create a two minute presentation on alcohol and road safety.
Be Creative and create a visual using the material covered in this unit
Working with others: Create a mind map/poster/little booklet/other.
Competencies
Insert a tick (✔) to show competencies learned and developed.
Thinking
problems
Describe how you developed a competency.
Remember
Revisit ‘Check your Thoughts’ at the beginning of this unit. Place a tick (✔) on the right hand side if you agree or disagree with the statement. Have you changed your opinion?
DRUGS 6
DRUGS
TOP TOPICS
1. What are drugs?
2. Types of Drugs — Include over the counter medicines?
3. What drugs do to you
4. Drug Driving — Risks and Consequences
5. Drug Goggles
6. Passenger(s) and other road users
7. Penalties
BEFORE WE BEGIN
Instructions: Attempt this Anticipation Exercise below. Read each statement and indicate by inserting a tick (✔) on the left, if you agree or disagree. Revisit this exercise when you complete the unit. Have you changed your mind/attitudes?
Place a tick (✔) if you agree / disagree about the following statements:
Create it. Working with others, students can create a wordle on drugs and driving, or a visual. www.edwordle.net
What are drugs?
A drug is a chemical that causes changes in the way the human body functions mentally, physically and/or emotionally.
2. Types of Drugs — Include over the counter medicines? Explain your understanding of drugs.
There are thousands of different types of drugs, both prescription and illegal.
From a chemical make-up perspective they can be categorised under the following headings:
• Alcohol
• Opioids
• Benzodiazepines
• Cannabinoids
• Barbiturates
• Hallucinogens
1.
3. What drugs do to you
Drugs affect the body’s central nervous system. They can affect how a person thinks, feels and behaves
Some drugs alter your perceptions and can cause hallucinations. Other drugs may make you feel numb.
Long-term use and larger doses have negative effects that can seriously harm your health, even cause death, including disease risks from sharing needles, and permanent damage to the brain and other organs.
4. How do drugs impact on driving?
Drug driving is driving under the influence of illegal drugs and/or the abuse of prescription drugs. Remember, drug driving not only puts the driver at risk but also passengers and others who share the road.
Drivers who have used cocaine or methamphetamine can be aggressive and reckless when driving.
Certain kinds of prescription medicines, including benzodiazepines and opioids, can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and actually impair cognitive functioning.
Even a small amount of certain drugs can seriously affect a driver’s motor skills, balance and coordination, perception, attention, reaction time and judgment on the roads. Driving under the influence of drugs remains a significant problem in Ireland.
In 2020 of the 4,489 specimens tested in the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) 3,650 (81%) were found to be positive for at least one impairing drug.
Medicines and driving:
If you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medicines under the advice of your doctor or pharmacist, and so long as those medicines don’t impair your driving, you have nothing to be concerned about. If you are in any doubt, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist about your concerns. Always opt for the non-drowsy type.
All of these effects from driving with drugs can lead to vehicle collisions.
5. Drug Goggles
Drug impairment goggles will show the effects of drugs on driving as part of our Road Safety Matters programme. They are easy to use, simply slip the goggles over your head and you’ll begin to experience the simulated effects of drugs and how it affects our bodies. They can really help to engage and have a great discussion on the effects of drugs.
The drug goggles simulate effects of impairment. Impairment effects of drugs include the following: Reduced alertness, slower reaction time, confusion, double vision and poor judgement.
The drug goggles allows you to show students the real-life risks of drug impairment on safely.
Activities may include:
• Walk the line
• Touch your nose
• Toss a ball
• Stack cups
• Combine some of the above.
First time: Individually give a task to a student without the Drug Goggles: walk a straight line and touch your nose. Other students can observe and document the difference.
Second time: Wear the Drug Goggles and complete tasks.
This will demonstrate the effects of drugs. Students document what they have learned and the differences from first time to second time with the tasks.
6. Risks
Risks associated with drug driving.
Drug driving not only puts the driver at risk but also passengers and others who share the road. Often innocent pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooters, passengers or other road users are killed or seriously injured in a crash as a result of taking drugs and driving.
7. Drug Testing
The new roadside drug driving testing device, (which looks similar to a COVID-19 test) can test for a greater range of drugs at the roadside. It is more portable, faster at delivering results and can not only test for Cannabis, Cocaine, Benzodiazepines and Opiates, this device can, unlike its predecessor, test for Amphetamine and Methamphetamine.
8. Penalties
The maximum penalty for drug driving is a €5000 fine and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months.
All drug driving offences carry a period of disqualification. In terms of disqualification periods, for those convicted of the offence of being above the threshold for Cannabis and Cocaine with no proof of impairment necessary by the Gardaí, the disqualification period is not less than 1 year for the first offence and not less than 2 years for the second or subsequent offence.
For the existing offence of drug driving while impaired, the penalty or disqualification period is a minimum of 4 years for a first offence and 6 years for a second or subsequent offence.
Driving under the influence of drugs — whether prescribed medication or illegal substances - is just as dangerous as driving when under the influence of alcohol. It’s also against the law.
Indicate if the following statements are true or false? Comment/discussion statements.
1. It is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs.
2. It is illegal to take drugs and cycle a bike.
3. Some drugs have no effect or can improve your driving.
4. You can drive immediately after taking cannabis as the effects don’t set in for some time.
5. Cannabis shows in urine for up to four weeks after a person takes it.
6. Cannabis users are 3 times more at risk of being involved in a road collision than a noncannabis user.
7. When you take drugs and alcohol together it counteracts (cancels out) the effects.
8. More than 1 in 5 people have been passengers in cars driven by someone under the influence of drugs.
MY ROAD SAFETY LEARNING BOARD
Create a poster on drug awareness.
Research drugs and driving. What does the Rules of the Road recommend?
Five Theory Test Questions
1. What is the maximum penalty on conviction for drug driving.
a. €5000 fine and 6 months in prison.
2. Along with an impairment test, what may a Garda request if they suspect a driver of driving under the influence of drugs?
a. A saliva sample.
3. Can An Garda Síochána conduct road side testing for drugs and alcohol in the mornings?
a. Yes, they can check at any time.
4. If a motorist is taking medication which may affect their driving, what should they do?
a. Seek medical advice in relation to driving.
5. Do the limits for drink and drug driving differ if detected in the mornings?
a. No, they are the same at all times.
Be safe… Be aware… Be a competent road user.
Presentation / Vlog
Working with others: Create a two minute presentation on drugs and road safety
Be Creative and create a visual using the material covered in this unit
Working with others: Create a mind map/poster/little booklet/other.
Competencies
Insert a tick (✔) to show competencies learned and developed.
Thinking and solving problems Being Creative Communicating Working with others Participating in society Cultivating wellbeing
Describe how you developed a competency.
Remember
Revisit ‘Check your Thoughts’ at the beginning of this unit. Place a tick (✔) on the right hand side if you agree or disagree with the statement. Have you changed your opinion?
DISTRACTIONS
TOP TOPICS
Types of distractions 2. Moon Walking Bear Video — Set the Scene
Mobile Phone — (Wheelman Video) 4. Headphones
5. Driver Fatigue — Who? (shift worker, HGV Drivers) What to do?
6. Laura and Patricia Doherty video
BEFORE WE BEGIN
Instructions: Attempt this Anticipation Exercise below. Read each statement and indicate by inserting a tick (✔) on the left, if you agree or disagree. Revisit this exercise when you complete the unit. Have you changed your mind/attitudes?
Place a tick (✔) if you agree / disagree about the following statements:
Explain your understanding of distractions.
Create it. Working with others, students can create a wordle on distracted driving, or a visual. www.edwordle.net
Distractions are engaging in other activities which distract the driver’s attention away from the road.
Distractions include mobile phone usage, e.g. talking or texting, using social media, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, adjusting the radio, entertainment or navigation. It is estimated that driver distraction could play a role in 20-30% of all road collisions.
A distraction is to divert ones focus from the task at hand.
Distracted Driving is the act of driving while engaging in other activities which distract the driver’s attention away from the road.
How does it occur?
1. Cognitive is where the mind is off the task at hand (i.e. day dreaming, not concentrating, thinking about other things while doing something else.)
2. Manually is where the hands are off the task at hand (i.e. one of both hands are off the steering wheel.)
3. Visually is where the eyes are off the task at hand (e.g. eyes not being focussed on driving.)
Distractions:
Example: Driving using a mobile phone
Effect: Driver doesn’t see pedestrian.
1. Distractions
IN THE TABLE BELOW...
Can you identify specific examples of when a pedestrian, motorist, cyclist and e-scooter could encounter the various distractions?
1.
Looking at the music device. Using a music device. Using earphones to listen to music.
2.
Looking at a mobile phone screen.
Looking at a mobile phone screen.
Looking someplace other than the road ahead.
Not having two hands on the handlebars.
Texting, dialling a number on a mobile phone device.
Thinking about something other than the cycling task at hand.
4.
Looking at things happening on the footpath, shops etc. Rather than the road ahead. Choosing music on a music device. Day dreaming
Pedestrian
Motorist
3. Cyclist
E-Scooter
Don’t get distracted!
Remember there are distractions inside your vehicle, as well as outside, which can reduce your concentration.
How observant are we?
This video draws our attention to the need for vigilance on the road.
It makes you think about how easy it is to miss what’s going on, even when it’s right in front of us!
Drivers using mobile phones are 4 times more likely to be involved in a crash. When you use your mobile behind the wheel, taking your mind and eyes off the road for just a split second, it can destroy everything forever.
What is the law? You can only use your mobile when you’re driving if you are phoning 999 or 112, or it is another type of emergency
It is an offence to hold a mobile phone in your hand or support it with another part of your body, for example between your head and shoulder, when you are driving. If the Gardaí charge you for this offence you will get a fixed charge notice of €120. If you pay the fixed charge you will receive 3 penalty points.
If you choose not to pay the fixed charge and are then convicted in court you will get 5 penalty points and a fine of up to €2,000.
Using a hands-free kit with your phone is not illegal, but it will stop you concentrating for a short time when you use your mobile phone and this puts other people using the road at risk. You could be prosecuted for dangerous driving, careless driving or driving without due care and attention because of this. And you could also have your licence endorsed or even lose your licence. So remember, the safe control of the vehicle you are driving is your responsibility.
2. Moonwalking bear... setting the scene
3. Mobile Phones
Tips for Drivers with mobile phone (hand-held and hands-free) before driving
• Turn off the mobile phone or put it on the ‘silent’ or ‘meeting’ mode setting before starting the journey.
• Use the voicemail function on the mobile phone so people can leave messages for you while driving.
• Stop regularly on the journey if it is necessary to check for messages and return any calls.
• Ensure that the place chosen to stop is legal and safe. It is an offence to stop on a motorway unless it is an emergency.
A
split
second is
all
it takes.
Your mobile phone, would it kill you to put it away?
4. Headphones
Listening to music, a good podcast is an enjoyable activity. However, doing so while driving, walking, cycling or riding your e-scooter can provide a distraction. It takes your focus from the task at hand and delays the speed in your response to external events.
If your headphones prove to be distracting you can be penalised. This is due to music, podcasts or anything else you’re playing blocking out traffic sounds, emergency sirens, level crossing signals and noises made by other road users meaning you could be a potential hazard.
For example — Imagine using the road (driver, pedestrian, cyclist, etc) with headphones and the emergency services vehicles needing to make way? Your headphones provide a distraction to your awareness of them and delay your response to them in an emergency situation.
5. Tired driver
Advice for tired drivers
Research informs the best approach if you are on a journey and feel tired is to Stop, Sip and Sleep.
Fact or myth?
Opening the window or turning up the radio volume will keep me awake! It’s a myth!
1. Stop: Park in a safe place. Never park at the side of a motorway.
2. Sip: Drink a caffeine drink (150 mg of caffeine, e.g. two cups of coffee)
3. Sleep: Take a nap for 15 minutes (set your mobile phone alarm). Caffeine takes about 20 minutes to take effect.
After your nap try and get some fresh air and stretch your legs for a few minutes.
These should only be considered emergency counter measures.
Don’t be tempted to keep driving when you are tired just because you are close to your destination. Tiredness-related collisions can occur within a few minutes of the driver’s destination because the driver has relaxed and the body takes this as a signal it is ok to fall asleep.
Never fight sleep at the wheel.
There are numerous distractions
Other distractions include child distraction, which is the second biggest distraction to drivers on our roads. Passengers can also be a distraction so don’t be afraid to speak up if they are. Likewise be courteous as a passenger and respect that the driver is concentrating.
Clear out clutter — cans and soft drink bottles rolling around under your seat are clearly a distraction. Secure your pet properly. Never let your pet travel loose in the car. Besides being a serious distraction, if they’re free to jump about inside the car, they’re more likely to be injured or injure you if you are involved in a collision.
Technology can be a distraction too. Always set up your vehicle (climate control, radio, music etc) before you set off on your journey.
Laura believes she fell asleep at the wheel due to tiredness and she is telling her story.
Laura and Patricia Doherty video
MY ROAD SAFETY LEARNING BOARD
Create some tips on reducing distractions whilst driving.
Download the advertisement.
Five Theory Test Questions
1. What should drivers do if they become drowsy while driving?
a. Stop, take a break including a short walk if possible.
2. When driving along and wishing to use a hand-held mobile phone, what should a driver do?
a. Stop at a safe location before using the phone.
3. What should a driver do if they feel tired before starting a journey?
a. Do not start the journey until they are rested.
4. What should a driver do if they are taking medication which can make them feel drowsy?
a. Do not drive the vehicle.
5. What should a driver do if they experience micro-sleep whilst driving?
a. Stop in a safe place.
Competencies
Insert a tick (✔) to show competencies learned and developed.
Thinking and solving problems Being Creative Communicating Working with others Participating in society Cultivating wellbeing
Describe how you developed a competency.
Remember
Revisit ‘Check your Thoughts’ at the beginning of this unit. Place a tick (✔) on the right hand side if you agree or disagree with the statement. Have you changed your opinion?
SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELTS
TOP TOPICS
BEFORE WE BEGIN
Instructions: Attempt this Anticipation Exercise below. Read each statement and indicate by inserting a tick (✔) on the left, if you agree or disagree. Revisit this exercise when you complete the unit. Have you changed your mind/attitudes?
Place a tick (✔) if you agree / disagree about the following statements:
Walking Debate
Ask students to either strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree with the statement. Use the four corners of the room.
Discuss with students why?
Seat belts provide protection in a collision.
A seat belt consists of an assembly of straps adequately fixed to the vehicle, with a securing buckle. These straps must be capable of being adjusted. The seat belt is designed to minimise the risk of injury in a collision or incident by restraining your movements. It keeps you from flying through the windshield of hurtling toward the dashboard in the event of a collision.
Where seat belts are fitted, you must wear them. (The only exceptions are for: people who wear a disabled person’s belt, people whose doctors have certified that, on medical grounds, they should not wear a seat belt, driving instructors or driver testers during a lesson or a test, and Gardaí or members of the Defence Forces in the course of their duty.)
It’s important to wear your seat belt.
It’s also important to ensure the seat belt is worn correctly
Click it and tighten it, ensuring the below is fitted tightly across your hips and your shoulder.
The driver is responsible for ensuring that passengers under 17 are suitably restrained.
1. What is a seat belt?
Disagree Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree Agree
2. Consequences of not wearing a belt.
Without a seat belt three out of four people will be killed or seriously injured in a 50km/h head on crash.
Seat belts are proven life savers and must be used on every single car journey, on short and long trips.
Did you know that one person in the car not wearing their seat belt could be the person to cause serious injuries to the others. Do you want to be that person?
3. Child restraint
Choosing and fitting a child car seat.
All children under 150 centimetres in height must use a child restraint system suitable for their height while travelling in a car or goods vehicle (other than a taxi). You must ensure that a child is in the correct car seat for their height.
You must de-active the front air bag if using a rear-facing car seat. Car seats and boosters must meet EU standards.
When travelling by bus, passengers aged 3 or over must wear seat belts, where they are fitted.
4. Passengers in a car
Unless exempted, every person in a car is legally obliged to wear a seat belt where one is fitted.
That includes drivers and front and rear passengers. As an adult passenger in any vehicle you must take personal responsibility for your own safety. That means always wearing your seat belt correctly and securing loose items in your vehicle that could cause harm in a collision.
5. Airbags
To avoid an airbag-related injury, make sure you are properly seated and remember — airbags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them.
Airbags are inflatable cushions built into a vehicle. They are to provide protection from hitting interior or objects outside in the event of a collision. They are activated only in crash situations,
The actual airbag is a thin nylon fabric that is folded away and housed in a specially designed compartment behind your steering wheel, door panels, or wherever else.
As you drive, a sensor is constantly at work in the background, taking note of your acceleration and your deceleration. This sensor is essentially what controls the airbag. In the event that the sensor detects a major and sudden deceleration, the sensor will read these changes as indicators that there has been a collision. Once the sensor flags that there has been a collision, it will trigger your airbag to deploy. The airbag inflators are then ignited. This prompts a chemical reaction which releases a gas that then inflates the airbags.
6. Head restraints
Adjust your head restraint correctly, and check that every passenger has their head restraint correctly adjusted.
To minimise neck travel in a collision, the distance from the back of the head to the restraint should be as small as possible — preferably less than 4 inches. Adjusting your seat’s recline angle could help shorten the distance between the head restraint and your head.
The head restraint should be adjusted so that it gives the maximum protection to the head and neck.
This will help in the event of a rear-end collision.
7. Speaking up
When asking someone to wear a seat belt, you could say something like:
“Please fasten your seat belt before we start driving.”
“It’s so important to wear your safety/seat belt, so please fasten it before we go.”
“Seat belts save lives, so please ensure you’re wearing yours before we start driving.’’
‘’Do you want to be the person that causes serious injury to the rest of us?’’
The advice to everyone travelling in a car, whether driving or as a passenger, is to always wear your seat belt before your journey begins.
8. Penalties
The Gardaí are empowered by law to enforce seat belt regulations. Unless you are exempted under the law, you are committing an offence if you do not wear a seat belt or use an appropriate car seat. Penalties are fixed-charge fines and penalty points, to ensure drivers comply with the law.
You can be fined €120 if you do not wear a seat belt. You must either pay this fine within 28 days or face an increased fine of €180 payable within 56 days of the offence. 3 penalty points will be added to your licence if you choose to pay the fine and not to go to court. However, if you are convicted in court for not wearing a seat belt, five penalty points will be added to your licence and you will be fined €2,000.
MY ROAD SAFETY LEARNING BOARD
Design and create a classroom door, using art supplies, to show the importance of seat belts whilst driving.
Theory Test Questions
1. What would be the effect of overloading a vehicle with passengers or goods?
a. It would reduce the driver’s ability to control the vehicle.
2. Who is responsible for ensuring that a passenger under 17 years of age is wearing a seat belt while travelling in a car?
a. The driver only.
3. Where there are seat belts fitted to a car when must adult occupants wear them?
a. At all times.
4. Why should a driver adjust their head restraint before starting a journey?
a. To provide support to the neck in the event of a collision.
5. In general, how should children under 3 years of age be secured in a vehicle?
a. They should always be secured in the correct child seat.
My learning about seat belts and road safety: 321
Will I act differently as a road user? Yes No How? Write down 3 main points discussed today
Presentation / Vlog
Working with others: Create a two minute presentation on Seat Belts and Road Safety
Be Creative and create a visual using the material covered in this unit
Working with others: Create a mind map/poster/little booklet/other.
Competencies
Insert a tick (✔) to show competencies learned and developed.
Thinking and solving problems Being Creative Communicating Working with others Participating in society Cultivating wellbeing
Describe how you developed a competency.
Remember
Revisit ‘Check your Thoughts’ at the beginning of this unit. Place a tick (✔) on the right hand side if you agree or disagree with the statement. Have you changed your opinion?
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
USERS
BEFORE WE BEGIN
Instructions: Attempt this Anticipation Exercise below. Read each statement and indicate by inserting a tick (✔) on the left, if you agree or disagree. Revisit this exercise when you complete the unit. Have you changed your mind/attitudes?
Place a tick (✔) if you agree / disagree about the following statements:
Explain your understanding of vulnerable road users.
Create it. Working with others, students can create a wordle on vulnerable road user, or a visual. www.edwordle.net
The term Vulnerable Road User is typically used to refer to pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooters, however, it may also apply to motorcyclists, horse riders, road workers (who are also considered pedestrians), and other road users not inside a vehicle such as a car, truck, or bus.
Remember we must be respectful of all road users. Each road user has a right to use the road and each of us must be considerate and courteous to all. We all play a part in providing a safe road environment.
1. Vulnerable road users
2. Pedestrians
Be Safe, Be Seen... Rules when walking beside or along a road:
• If there is a footpath you must use it.
• If there is no footpath, you must walk as near as possible on the right-hand side of the road (facing oncoming traffic).
• Do not walk more than two abreast. If the road is narrow or carries heavy traffic, you should walk in single file.
• You should always wear reflective clothing and carry a torch at night when walking in areas with no street lighting.
• You should always be aware of other road users.
3. Cyclists
Check that your bike’s bell, lights and brakes are all working properly. Wear an EU approved helmet and high visibility reflective clothing.
• Sharing the Road: Cyclists need to be aware and mindful of other road users. As well as having to obey the rules, cyclists have a right to use the road.
Be very careful when turning left as other vehicles may not see you in their blind spot. If you can’t see the driver, they can’t see you.
• Signalling: Learn the proper signalling procedures for making turns and using roundabouts, as well as the cautionary aspects of dealing with other vehicles.
Like all road users, cyclists must follow the Rules of the Road.
E-scooters are legal on Irish roads.
You do not need a licence to ride one and your e-scooter does not have to be registered, taxed or insured.
Your e-scooter must meet technical requirements. Users must be 16 years or older and obey a speed limit of 20km/h.
E-scooters are banned from footpaths and users can’t carry passengers. The use of an e-scooter on a footpath puts pedestrians, especially children and older adults, at risk.
E-scooters must drive on the left hand side and are allowed in cycle or bus lanes. Like all road users, e-scooter users must obey the rules of the road at all times. The same rules that apply to cyclists apply to e-scooters.
Remaining visible and alert on the road is vital, so e-scooter users should wear a helmet and high visibility clothing. They must not use or hold a mobile phone nor listen to music.
Motorists sharing the road with e-scooters should follow the same guidelines as for cyclists. Drivers should give one metre clearance when overtaking in speed zones that are 50 km/h or under, and 1.5 metres in speed zones over 50 km/h.
It is compulsory for riders and passengers to wear a safety helmet which must be properly secured. It is advisable to use dipped headlights at all times when driving. Hi-visibility clothing should be worn to allow other road-users to see you clearly.
Note: Some local roads in rural areas may present particular hazards. Take extra care. Many motorcycle collisions occur at intersections or while overtaking.
4. E-Scooters
5. Motorcyclists
MY ROAD SAFETY LEARNING BOARD
Divide the class into four groups.
Each group chooses a vulnerable road user.
Discuss what advice they would give to vulnerable road users and link your advice with the Rules of the Road
Research information on e-scooters.
Theory Test Questions
1. If there is no footpath, where must a pedestrian walk?
a. Right hand side of the road.
2. When should pedestrians wear reflective clothing?
a. At night, when walking outside built-up areas.
3. When is parking permitted on a footpath?
a. It is never permitted on a footpath.
4. What distance before a zebra crossing is parking prohibited?
a. 15 Metres
5. What traffic may use a cycle lane accompanied by a continuous white line?
a. Cyclists and motorised wheelchairs.
My learning about vulnerable road users: 321
Will I act differently as a road user? Yes No How? Write down 3 main points discussed today
Presentation / Vlog
Working with others: Create a two minute presentation on vulnerable road users
Be Creative and create a visual using the material covered in this unit
Working with others: Create a mind map/poster/little booklet/other.
Competencies
Insert a tick (✔) to show competencies learned and developed.
Thinking and solving problems Being Creative Communicating Working with others Participating in society Cultivating wellbeing
Describe how you developed a competency.
Remember
Revisit ‘Check your Thoughts’ at the beginning of this unit. Place a tick (✔) on the right hand side if you agree or disagree with the statement. Have you changed your opinion?
10 ASSESSMENT AND CELEBRATION
10 ASSESSMENT AND CELEBRATION UNIT 10
Now that you have completed your Road Safety Matters programme, it is important to constantly keep up to date. Review your learning, become more observant and know that the road is a shared space. Ensure you have completed all the tasks required and perhaps use this opportunity to showcase what you have learned.
A good idea is to have a Road Safety Matters day/week
As a team decide on how you could promote road safety?
Brainstorm ideas...
• Teach a first year class on road safety
• Work with primary schools and create a workshop on road safety
• Communicate to adults e.g. Parents night/open evening
• Link with other groups e.g. Gardaí
• You could consider a cross curricular approach, linking road safety to all your TY subjects and modules
• Posters
• Social media
• Other
There are numerous ways to promote and to be a safe road user.
• Ensure you know and understand the Rules of the Road
• Apply the Rules of the Road
• Revise your theory questions from this resource
• Practice and understand content for the driving theory test
• Review and recall the material from all the units
A. Your road safety class:
B. You as a road user
CROSS CURRICULAR APPROACH
Business
Identify and organise relevant data, evidence and/or information on insurance and road safety issues in Ireland from a range of sources.
Music
Create a rap to ensure that our roads are a shared space.
Art
Capture your interpretation of road safety in a physical/ digital way.
Irish
Write a fictional newspaper article about a crash caused by a young driver which caused a death and serious injuries.
Maths
Use pie charts, bar charts, line plots, histograms (equal intervals), stem and leaf plots to display data on road safety.
Should helmets be compulsory for all cyclists?
Debate the above statement. Modern Language
English
Students compose a range of newspaper articles on road safety in Ireland.
Create an Idea/concept on improving road safety for pedestrians Enterprise
Invite a visitor to the classroom.
RSA, Garda, Insurance Rep, Mechanic
Collate questions related to their careers.
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