Tipperary school students hear stark road safety message at 'The Smart Moves' event

A road safety initiative aimed at young people was held in Tipperary last week, bringing together schools, Gardaí and national agencies to underline the lasting consequences of dangerous behaviour on the roads.

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The Smart Moves Road Safety event took place on Friday, January 23, at Abbey CBS Secondary School.

The school’s staff and management played a central role in enabling the programme to be delivered on site.

The event was organised through a collaboration between the Tipperary Town Community Policing Unit, led by Sgt Ray Moloney and Garda John Hennessy, and the Road Safety Authority Ireland.

Several post primary schools from across the county were represented, including Abbey CBS, St Anne’s Secondary School, St Ailbe’s Secondary School and the Presentation School in Thurles. Youth Work Ireland Tipperary also attended.

A key moment of the programme was a talk delivered by Barry Murphy, who recounted his personal experience of surviving a serious road traffic collision.

His account focused on the long term impact of the incident and the potentially life changing consequences of reckless conduct on the roads. The presentation was described as both powerful and deeply affecting for those present.

Gardaí supported the message with practical demonstrations and technology. The Road Safety shuttle was used alongside virtual reality equipment, while Garda Jamie Ryan from the Roads Policing Unit contributed to the delivery of the event, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive approach.

An Garda Síochána Tipperary also acknowledged the ongoing support of Stevie O’Donnell in helping to publicise road safety initiatives, noting that this assistance helps ensure the message reaches a wide audience.

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