PUPILS at Kesh Primary School were happy to play their part to encourage others to help promote road safety as they launched ‘Street Smart, Road Safe’, a new booklet.

The Fermanagh children were encouraging other primary school pupils across Northern Ireland to look at the innovative new road safety booklet, with the comprehensive 36-page guide covering every aspect of how to keep safe whilst travelling as a pedestrian, cyclist or passenger.

The publication is the cumulation of months of work by the charity, Road Safe NI, after it secured funding from the Department of Infrastructure’s Road Safety (Safe Travel) Grant Scheme.

Thanking the Kesh kids for their help to launch the booklet, Davy Jackson, Chairperson of Road Safe NI, said: “We are delighted with it; the booklet could be described as a Highway Code for children.

“As schools begin to reopen, we believe it is now more important than ever, that children are reminded of the dangers on our roads.

“Children are one of the most vulnerable road user groups but with education, they can reduce the risks.

“The booklet offers practical advice on using pedestrian crossings, cycling, the importance of wearing bright or hi-vis clothing, in-car safety, and entering and exiting school buses safely.

“Road Safe NI have engaged with schools for many years to promote road safety and know that learning materials need to be interactive. We have included a crossword and an anagram activity as well as learning about road signs.

“We would encourage all primary schools to get involved in this project. A copy of the booklet can be downloaded at www.roadsafeni.com, available online from the end of March.

“Hard copies are also available on request.”

Road Safe NI Charity is staffed by volunteers and comprises an Executive committee and network of local voluntary groups across Northern Ireland, and for more than 50 years has delivered a diverse range of educational and promotional campaigns to reduce the number of road traffic collisions.