Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline any discussions she has had with the Minister of Education on a new advertising campaign for schools on road safety.
Minister for Infrastructure: I recently met with the Minister of Education to discuss the need to raise awareness among pupils and parents about the risks associated with road use, particularly in relation to school buses, embarking and disembarking a bus.
We have agreed to work together on the promotion of road safety for children and young people, recognising the importance of reinforcing key safety messages within the school environment. Both Departments are committed to identifying practical and age-appropriate methods to help young people better understand their responsibilities as road users and to encourage safer behaviours from an early age.
A school bus safety campaign, featuring rear bus and on-street advertising, was initially introduced in May and relaunched on 8 September, promoting vital safety messages to road users. I am currently considering enhancing this campaign by introducing point of danger radio campaign with drivers as the target audience.
In addition, Road Safety Teaching Aid Calendars have been digitally distributed to over 760 primary schools for the new academic year. These calendars, tailored for Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2, are now available for download via NIDirect. Each week, they provide key road safety messages, including safety around buses, that teachers can easily incorporate into classroom discussions.
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