Roadsafe Roadshow: A hard-hitting reality check for young drivers

OVER 2,500 Transition Year and 5th Year students from schools across Donegal attended the Donegal County Council AXA Roadsafe Roadshow in the Aura Centre, Letterkenny.

The Roadsafe Roadshow is a powerful event designed to educate students on the potentially devastating consequences that road traffic collisions can have on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

The event featured a series of impactful first-hand accounts from An Gardaí Síochána, Donegal Fire Service, National Ambulance Service and a consultant-based within the Accident & Emergency Department at Letterkenny University Hospital designed to leave a lasting impression on the importance of road safety.

A further powerful element was given by Rachel Elliott who shared her own story of survival following a fatal car accident she was involved in.

Her candid account resonated strongly with the students, emphasising the real dangers to young drivers on our roads.

Adding a deeply personal dimension to the event was the contribution by Bernadette Rice who tragically lost her sister Clarice in a car accident, her emotional account left the audience deeply moved.

Following the talks, Donegal Fire Service conducted a live demonstration of extracting an injured person from a crashed vehicle.

This practical demonstration brought the realities of emergency response to life, showcasing the skill and precision required to save lives in such critical situations.

Young drivers are 85 per cent more likely to be involved in road accidents than older drivers, with speed, distraction, and inexperience the leading causes of road traffic accidents.

According to An Garda Síochána, a total of 18,305 individuals have been issued fines to date for using mobile phones while driving, of which 184 were in County Donegal.

The AXA Roadsafe Roadshow encourages the next generation of young road users to actively consider the importance of road safety and the impact that dangerous driving, speeding, substance use and distracted driving can have on themselves and others.

Speaking at the launch of the event, Mick Comerford, retail director, AXA, said: "For young Donegal drivers, getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time and learning to drive is an exciting milestone in their lives.

"However, with that additional independence comes responsibility to drive safely for yourself and for all road users.

"Our data shows that young drivers are significantly more likely to be involved in road accidents than older drivers.

"The AXA Roadsafe Roadshow aims to provide young people on the verge of learning to drive with an honest and unfiltered account of how dangerous driving can destroy lives.”

The chief executive of Donegal County Council, John G McLaughlin, added: “This is an impactful and informative roadshow and is an important opportunity to encourage young people to reflect on how they use our roads as drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

"Speeding, driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs, dangerous driving and distracted driving can have a devastating impact on both the driver and other road users.

"By engaging directly with the students, the Roadsafe Roadshow reinforces the importance of making safe, responsible choices.

"I extend my sincere thanks to the speakers whose contributions make this important event possible.”

The AXA Roadsafe Roadshow will visit locations in North Dublin and Kerry for the remainder of 2025.

For more information, visit: www.axa.ie