Led by Sergeant Tony Miniter, Garda Alan Kelly and Garda John Browne, the event brought together students, teachers, emergency services and road safety professionals to encourage safer behaviour and better decision-making on Irish roads.
What happened at the LifeSaver Project?
The main event was a realistic road traffic collision simulation, which showed how An Garda Síochána and the National Ambulance Service respond to a serious incident.
It highlighted the devastating consequences that speeding, distraction, impaired driving and failure to wear a seatbelt can have on individuals, families and communities.
Students also heard directly from frontline responders and road safety experts, who offered first-hand insight into the impact of road traffic collisions.
How did students and teachers react?
Feedback from both students and teachers was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the event as powerful, thought-provoking and highly relevant.
Teachers praised the programme for engaging young people in a meaningful way and delivering lessons they would remember long after the event.
Why target students before they start driving?
Superintendent Finbarr Philpott said it is important to engage with young people before they become regular drivers and independent road users.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. The LifeSaver Project gives young people a unique opportunity to see the real consequences of dangerous driving and hear directly from those who deal with road traffic collisions every day. By engaging with students before they become regular drivers, we can help them make safer choices and contribute to a safer road culture for everyone.”
Councillor Niall McNelis, Chair of the Galway City Local Community Safety Partnership, said: “The success of the LifeSaver Project shows what can be achieved when agencies, schools and communities work together. Reaching 900 students over two days is a significant achievement, and the messages delivered will have a lasting impact. I am delighted to support an initiative that helps young people make safer choices and contributes to safer communities across Galway.”
Who is behind the LifeSaver Project?
The project is delivered in partnership by An Garda Síochána, emergency service partners, the Road Safety Authority, Galway City Council, Galway County Council and the Galway City and County Local Community Safety Partnerships.
Will the LifeSaver Project run again?
Yes. Following the success of this year’s event and the positive response from participating schools, organisers have confirmed that it will become an annual event for Transition Year students across Galway City and County.
Can my school or workplace get involved?
Anyone interested in having the LifeSaver Project delivered in their school, college, organisation or workplace is encouraged to contact their local Garda station for further information.
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