Exam result revellers urged to agree on safe driving plans

LEAVING Certificate revellers are being urged to agree on safe driving plans this evening if celebrations include travel by car.

With more than 55,000 young people receiving exam results, road safety chiefs are advising parents to make agreements with their children if they are driving, or a passenger in a vehicle when going out.

Parents and their children should make agreements or promises on responsible driving, said the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The agreement could keep young drivers away from situations that would most likely lead to crashes.

“They are not about being over-protective or unreasonable, but are promises between the parent and the young driver for safer driving.

“Ask yourself is car use essential tonight? Can public transport, taxis or lifts from parents be the right choice to keep everyone safe tonight and early tomorrow morning? If your son or daughter is going out celebrating their achievements check how they are travelling,” stressed RSA chief Noel Brett.

Agreements could include not using a family car between midnight and 6am, a high-risk period for crashes, or insisting youngsters not travel with drivers who have been drinking or taking drugs.

Other dangers parents should warn of include speeding, driving while on a mobile phone, as well as the need to wear seatbelts.

“This is a day to be proud of your sons and daughters. Do not let it be a day of grief and sadness. Sit down today and talk with your young adults about responsible road use,” added Mr Brett.

Meanwhile, those celebrating results were also warned about protecting themselves against sexual predators while at home or partying overseas in the weeks ahead.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said there had been a rise in young men and women being raped or sexually assaulted while marking their exam success, attending outdoor summer events, or holidaying.

The association recently updated its advice to young people following a new phenomena where girls sleeping at night at parties were awaking to someone having sex with them.

Partying students are being advised not to get separated from friends, keep hold of their drinks at all times, and not to go to remote places.

The centre’s chief executive Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop added: “We are also issuing a warning to potential perpetrators that having sexual intercourse with a person without their consent constitutes rape. It is a violation of a person’s human rights to take advantage of another person when they are in a vulnerable situation.”

Students were also urged advised to drink sensibly and eat meals before consuming alcohol.