Road safety event
A road safety event organised by the Rotary Club of Sligo is set to attract 600 Transition Year students to Knocknarea and Athletics Arena later this month.
The event, titled ‘Just One Life’, will take place on November 21st and aims to target young students to think about their choices on the road in order to prevent road accidents.
Held in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority, this is the Rotary Club of Sligo’s second annual road safety event.
With young people most at risk of having a serious car accident, according to President of Rotary Club of Sligo, Una Dunne Shannon, the event will show young people the harsh reality of life after a serious road traffic accident.
“This event tries to save young people’s lives by showing them what causes accidents in a practical manner and what they have to do to prevent accidents. It’s catching them at an early stage just when they’re starting to get their learner’s permits,” said the president.
Described as a ‘shock and awe approach’, the event will have guest speakers on the day, from 9am to 1pm, discussing their experiences of road traffic accidents.
On the day there will be survivors of road traffic accidents who will talk about their experience, an Emergency Department consultant, the fire department and gardaí, along with demonstrations.
“It does show the stark reality of what happens and how life can completely change in the event of being involved in a road traffic accident, so it’s quite graphic, quite tough and really it’s teaching them about inappropriate driving behaviour and gives them food for thought,” noted Ms Dunne Shannon.
As the rotary is a fundraising organisation, proceeds from the event will be given towards Acquired Brain Injuries Services, Irish Wheelchair Association and Spinal Injuries Ireland.