RSA Marks National Child Safety Day During Road Safety Week 2026

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) marked National Child Safety Day on Friday 9 October 2026 as part of Road Safety Week 2026. The RSA’s Child Casualties Report 2021-2025 shows that 38 children aged 15 and under were killed and 620 seriously injured on Irish roads over the five-year period.

Almost two in three (65%) child casualties were pedestrians or cyclists, while seven in ten occurred on roads with speed limits of 60km/h or less. The RSA said this underlines the need for drivers to take particular care in the places where children are most likely to walk and cycle.

Dublin recorded the highest proportion of child casualties (32%), followed by Cork (9%).

Nuala Carey, Interim Director of Partnerships and External Affairs at the RSA:

“Every child should be able to walk, cycle, travel to school or be a passenger in a car without being exposed to unnecessary risk… Slow down, buckle up, stay alert and expect to see children walking and cycling. A few seconds of extra care can make a life-saving difference.”

To mark the day, the RSA is also distributing more than 50,000 high-visibility vests nationwide through its Beep Beep road safety programme. The programme helps young children learn about staying safe on the roads in a fun and engaging way.

Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality:

“I welcome the inclusion of Beep Beep Day 2026 in pre-schools across the country. This important day is a fantastic opportunity for pre-school children to learn about road safety and practise these basic skills using the Simon and Friends storybooks, songs, and games. These important skills that are learned through play will serve the children as they grow and help keep them safe on Irish streets and roads.”

The RSA also made a special school visit alongside Gaelic Players Association (GPA) CEO Tom Parsons. They were joined by Sinéad Wylde, 2023 All-Ireland winner with Dublin ladies’ footballers and former Dublin camogie player, at Naíonra Caitlin Maude in Tallaght, Dublin. They spoke with pupils about making safe choices on every journey.

Tom Parsons, CEO of the Gaelic Players Association:

“It was a privilege to meet the pupils today in Naíonra Caitlin Maude and hear what they are learning about road safety. As players, parents, coaches and members of our communities, we all have a role in setting a positive example for young people. Whether we’re travelling to school, training or a match, the choices we make on the road matter. National Child Safety Day is a great opportunity to reinforce those important messages and encourage children and adults alike to make safer choices every day.”

Throughout Road Safety Week, the RSA has been bringing practical road safety education to schools, families and communities across Ireland through its interactive Road Safety Shuttle, Rollover Simulator, Check it Fits child car seat service and school-based education programmes.

The RSA and GPA are working together to harness the influence of inter-county players to promote positive road safety behaviours and encourage conversations about staying safe on the roads in schools, clubs and communities nationwide.