Transition Year students recently attended the AXA Road Safety Roadshow at the INEC Killarney, alongside over 1,000 TY students from schools across the region. This powerful and thought-provoking event aimed to raise awareness around road safety and the very real consequences of dangerous driving.
The roadshow included a realistic car crash reconstruction, highlighting how quickly lives can change due to poor decision-making on the road. Through a combination of visual demonstrations and expert input, students were encouraged to reflect on their own responsibility as current and future road users.
A number of guest speakers shared deeply personal stories that left a lasting impression on those in attendance. One speaker, Sean O Leary from Kilcummin, recounted his experience of being involved in a serious road traffic accident near Abbeyfeale in July 2021, while returning from a Kerry game. At the time, Sean was a member of the Kerry GAA senior football panel. He spoke honestly about the physical and emotional challenges he faced following the accident, while also highlighting the importance of making safe choices on the road. Sean remains a very talented footballer, and his message resonated strongly with students.
Another particularly moving contribution came from a father who shared the devastating loss of his daughter in a hit-and-run accident. He spoke about the profound and lasting impact her death has had on his family, offering a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost behind road traffic collisions.
The AXA Road Safety Roadshow delivered an important and sobering message, encouraging students to think carefully about road safety, personal responsibility, and the long-term consequences of risky behaviour. It was a valuable and impactful experience for all who attended.