THE ROAD Safety Authority has unveiled its latest campaign aimed at encouraging pre-school children to take care on roads.
The authority has produced a special pack of storybooks, music and games to help under-sixes remember to stop, look and listen outdoors.
The Simon and Friends resource is being introduced to thousands of schools nationwide after a successful regional pilot.
Launching the scheme at the Sophia Housing Association creche in Dublin, Road Safety Authority chairman Gay Byrne said the road safety message was just as crucial for youngsters as it was for adults.
“Children learn good habits from a young age and it’s never too early to start educating young people on how to be safe on the road, but it’s also important to do this in a child-friendly way that it is understandable and interesting to the youngest of our road users.”
The new pack contains four individual storybooks with stories focusing on stopping and looking, holding hands and setting a good example.
The campaign also includes a teacher’s guide and a CD with songs and recordings of the stories, which are also available in Irish.
“As parents, grandparents and guardians, we have a responsibility to set a good example for our children and ensure that the lessons taught in pre-schools and schools across the country are put into practice every day,” Mr Byrne said. “I would encourage all pre-schools to get involved in the Simon and Friends programme and make road safety part of early years education.”
The resource is available free of charge and training sessions will be provided for interested pre-schools.