As students across the country prepare to sit the last of their Leaving Certificate exams the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Alcohol Action Ireland and Youth Work Ireland have come together to promote the 'Safer Driving Agreement' to encourage safe driving for students when celebrating the end of exams whether driving or being a passenger in a car.
A 'Safer Driving Agreement' requires both the parent and the fully licensed young driver to make promises about how they will use the road as a driver or passenger. Noel Brett, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority said "Such agreements can be verbal or written. The RSA is asking parents and students to consider public transport as an alternative to driving and parents should agree a plan with their children before they set off on a night of celebration with an agreed time when they will be home. No alcohol or drugs should be consumed if driving, seat belts should be worn at all times by all occupants and mobile phones should not be used by the driver of the vehicle."
The RSA is asking students to take personal responsibility and "do not throw it all away for a short trip."
Sample agreements can be found at www.rsa.ie, while www.alcoholireland.ie has tips on how to talk with your child about alcohol.