18/08/2026
🚸 SCHOOL SAFETY – PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY 🚸
The school run is one of the busiest times on our roads. Children may be walking, cycling, getting out of cars or crossing between vehicles — and they do not always see danger in the same way an adult does.
That is why every driver needs to exercise extra caution when approaching or passing a school.
The Northern Ireland Highway Code specifically tells drivers to drive slowly and be particularly aware of young cyclists and pedestrians near schools. It also warns that children can step unexpectedly into the road, so drivers should choose a speed appropriate to the conditions and keep their safety firmly in mind.
🚗 THINK BEFORE YOU PARK
We understand that everyone wants to get their children as close to the school gates as possible — but convenience must never come before safety.
Please:
* Always park somewhere safe and legal, even if that means walking a little further.
* Never park on pedestrian-crossing zig-zag markings. The Highway Code states that you must not park on a crossing or within the area covered by its zig-zag lines.
* Do not park on School Keep Clear markings where restrictions apply. Mandatory School Keep Clear restrictions can be enforced immediately, with no observation period.
* Do not park near school entrances.
* Do not park within 15 metres (50 feet) of a junction, unless in specified circumstances such as an authorised parking area.
* Never leave your vehicle somewhere that blocks visibility or forces a child to step out from behind parked vehicles to see approaching traffic.
Poor parking isn't simply inconsiderate. It can hide a child from an approaching driver and hide an approaching vehicle from a child.
🛑 RESPECT OUR SCHOOL CROSSING PATROLS
School Crossing Patrol personnel are there for one reason — to help keep our children safe.
Please show them the respect they deserve. Slow down, be patient and follow their instructions.
And remember: when a School Crossing Patrol displays the "Stop for Children" sign, drivers MUST stop. It isn't optional.
At Road Safe NI Charity, we believe protecting children on their journey to and from school is a responsibility shared by parents, drivers, schools and the wider community.
No appointment is so important that we need to speed past a school.
No school run is so rushed that we need to park dangerously.
No parking space is worth putting a child's life at risk.
💚 Slow down. Park safely. Stay alert. Respect the School Crossing Patrol.
Our children. Our future. Our responsibility.
Road Safe NI Charity�Working Together Saves Lives.
