A Co Fermanagh school was one of several across the UK to take part in a demonstration highlighting the need for better protection for children on the roads on Wednesday.
Jones Memorial Primary School pupils were among 90,000 students to take to the streets to raise awareness of the fact that almost 15,000 children die on UK roads every year.
According to figures released for Northern Ireland for the last five years, on average 831 children die or are injured in road accidents every year. NI was amongst the highest casualty rates compared to the national average, according to figures from the Department for Transport.
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During Wednesday’s demonstration in Enniskillen , pupils walked in small groups in crocodile formation and wearing bright stripy clothes. They were accompanied by local police officers who also joined in the event. School teacher Gareth Barbour was among those who was involved in organising the event, along with road safety foundation Brake.
“The purpose of this event was to spread awareness to everyone on the dangers of the road and how we can stay safe when out and about,” Gareth told MyFermanagh .
“We were supported in this event by the PSNI and they helped with traffic control on the main road beside our school. The money raised from this event will be sent directly to Brake to help support families and young people affected by road accidents.
“We went on a mile loop around the local area and were delighted to be accompanied by members of the PSNI as well. The research shows that way too many children are hurt or killed in road traffic accidents and that’s why we as a school thought it was important to be involved.”
Some of the school pupils involved in the demonstration also included some advice they learned on the day.
'Always keep an eye on the road and concentrate when you are crossing,” P6 pupil Emily said.
Xavier from the Learning Support class added: “Wear bright clothes when walking at the side of the road, it might save your life.”
Scott Williams, head of programme delivery at Brake, said: “It’s every child’s right to be able to walk in their community without fear of traffic and pollution. It is vital that children can walk safely in the places where they live. We’re delighted that so many children, schools and families are taking part in Brake’s Kids Walk 2022 and shouting out for the things they need to make safe journeys.”
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