St Josephs National School, Hilltown, Ballymitty, Co. Wexford.

The Road Safety Authority's award-winning Seatbelt Sheriff and his trusty companion Hi Glo Silver are back. Once again they will deliver their two important road safety messages: buckling up and high visibility.

Why you should always buckle up

In a crash or when braking suddenly, you can easily be thrown out of your seat. This is very dangerous because you could be sent through the windscreen or hit the gearstick or dashboard, causing you very serious injury or even death. This is why it is so important to buckle up and become a Seatbelt Sheriff.

Be a star when you’re in the car

Always use the right safety seat or safety belt for your age. And always buckle up in the back seat. Now you’re the Seatbelt Sheriff’s star partner!

Set a good example

As the Seatbelt Sheriff you must set a good example to everyone else in the car, by buckling up as soon as you get in. No matter how short your journey is, make sure everyone in the car is wearing a safety belt at all times.

And make sure everyone follows.

According to a safety belt wearing survey, 3 out of 5 primary school children and almost 4 out of 5 secondary school children are not wearing safety belt when they travel in the back seat of a car. Everybody in the car is required by law to wear a safety belt and it is up to the driver to make sure passengers under 17 are following the law, but now you can help them to keep everyone safe.

Hi Glo Silver’s job is to encourage second class pupils to wear bright clothing when they are out walking or cycling. They will pledge to wear jackets, armbands or belts and remind their parents, family and friends to do the same.

Why wear Hi Glo

It can often be hard for drivers to see people who are on foot or on their bike. Wearing bright clothing makes it easier to spot pedestrians and cyclists from greater distances. This can stop terrible accidents from happening as the motorist has more time to adjust their course.

Stay bright, both day and night

Bright clothing is especially important in difficult driving conditions like bad weather or darkness. Wearing reflective clothing can help pedestrians and cyclists stay safe even in low-visibility situations.

Always follow the Safe Cross Code
1. Look for a safe place to cross.
2. Stop and wait near the edge of the path.
3. Look all around and listen for traffic.
4. If traffic is coming let it pass and look all around again.
5. When there is no traffic near, walk straight across the road.
6. Keep watching and listening for traffic as you cross.

Walk on footpaths, not on the road.

If there is no footpath, walk facing traffic and as far to the right as possible.

Wear bright, high-visibility clothing. Both day and night.