Date: 09 Oct 2025
Donegal County Council AXA Roadsafe Roadshow drives home the vital road safety message
Over 2500 Transition year and 5th year students from schools across Donegal attended the Donegal County Council AXA Roadsafe Roadshow on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th October in the Aura Centre, Letterkenny.
The Roadsafe Roadshow is a powerful event designed to educate students on the potentially devastating consequences that road traffic collisions can have on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
The Roadshow featured a series of impactful first-hand accounts from An Gardaí Síochána, Donegal Fire Service, National Ambulance Service and a Consultant based within Accident & Emergency Department in Letterkenny University Hospital designed to leave a lasting impression on the importance of road safety.
A further powerful element, was given by Rachel Elliott who shared her own story of survival following a fatal car accident she was involved in. Her candid account resonated strongly with the students, emphasising the real dangers to young drivers on our roads.
Adding a deeply personal dimension to the event was the contribution by Bernadette Rice who tragically lost her sister Clarice in a car accident, her emotional account left the audience deeply moved.
Following the talks, Donegal Fire Service conducted a live demonstration of extracting an injured person from a crashed vehicle. This practical demonstration brought the realities of emergency response to life, showcasing the skill and precision required to save lives in such critical situations.
The Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G. McLaughlin said “This is an impactful and informative Roadshow and is an important opportunity to encourage young people to reflect on how they use our roads as drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Speeding, driving under the influence of drink and or drugs, dangerous driving and distracted driving can have a devastating impact on both the driver and other road users. By engaging directly with the students, the Roadshow reinforces the importance of making safe, responsible choices. I extend my sincere thanks to the speakers whose contributions make this important event possible.”
