The Road Safety section provides and promotes road safety.

Our Road Safety Officer, Jemma Jacob, promotes road safety in Waterford by:

Have a look at some of our leaflets and information opposite.

- Road Safety Week 11th - 17th october 2010

- National Beep Beep Day 15th Ocotber 2010

- European Nights without Accident 16th Ocotber 2010

Driving at night: As young drivers have a high proportion of their crashes at night, agree the times when they can drive the car. For example, you might agree they will not use the car between midnight and 6:00am, the high risk period for crashes.

Carrying Groups of Friends: Consider agreeing a limit on the number of their friends they carry to just one or two if you are not in the car.

Alcohol and drugs: Ask the young driver in your household to stick to a zero limit.

Ask them not to take a lift with drivers who have been drinking or might have taken drugs. Remember, even some over-the-counter medicines cause drowsiness.

Remind them that taking drugs is illegal and can be life threatening. Drugs can affect your mind and body in a variety of ways that mean you aren't able to drive safely. Not only that, the effects can last for hours or even days. For example, cannabis shows in urine for up to four weeks after it is taken.

Speed: Young drivers are more likely to see speed as exciting. They are particularly prone to approaching bends too fast and to dangerous overtaking. Even keeping within the speed limit can be unsafe, for example on wet or on narrow, winding rural roads. Discuss with your young driver why you would like them not to speed or take risks.

Mobile phones: While it is reassuring for young drivers to carry a mobile phone, it is dangerous to use it when driving. Ask your son or daughter to agree only to use their mobile phone when parked. Discuss other distractions, like playing loud music, eating, drinking and smoking to ensure they are aware of the implications of dividing attention between the driving and other things.

Seatbelts: Most drivers wear seat belts, but rear seat passengers are less likely to do so. They present a danger to themselves and to other people in the car. Drivers could agree to always ask their passengers to wear their seatbelts.