New RSA Transition Year programme launched

The Minister for Education Norma Foley TD, today launched the new Road Safety Matters Transition Year (TY) programme designed to help students become safer road users, developed in partnership with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and supported by An Garda Siochana.

The programme has been developed to further support TY students and teachers, offering a step-by-step guide to prepare, educate and support students on their road safety journey.

Pupils participating in the programme will learn the importance of sharing the road, developing the knowledge, skills, values and qualities to prepare them as road users and as safe drivers, if they decide to drive in the future.

There are 10 modules in the programme including an overview session, learning to drive, components of a car, speed, alcohol, drugs, distractions, safety belts, vulnerable road users and an assessment.

The ‘Road Safety Matters’ programme can be taught over a 10-week period or longer depending on a school’s transition year timetable. It will be introduced initially in 143 schools nationwide.

A road safety toolkit will also be made available. This includes a teacher support booklet, student portfolio – learning log, Webinars and additional road safety material, and will support road safety competencies, in terms of knowledge, and attitudes and behaviours.

As part of the launch, the RSA has announced IPB Insurance as the official sponsor of the programme.

Details on the new RSA Road Safety Matters TY Programme can be found here. Registration for the programme is available here.