We are excited to announce that IPB Insurance is the official sponsor of the new Road Safety Matters Transition Year (TY) Programme, in collaboration with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána.

Minister for Education Norma Foley officially launched the new Road Safety Matters Transition Year (TY) programme, which aims to promote safer road use among young people. Developed by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in collaboration with An Garda Síochána, the programme will be introduced in 143 schools nationwide, providing students with critical road safety education. IPB Insurance has been announced as the official sponsor of this programme.

The programme, designed to support TY students and their teachers, offers a comprehensive guide to road safety through a series of 10 modules. These include topics such as learning to drive, the components of a car, the impact of speed, alcohol, and drugs on driving, dealing with distractions, the importance of safety belts, and how to protect vulnerable road users. The modules are flexible and can be completed over 10 weeks or adjusted according to a school’s schedule.

Minister Foley, speaking at the launch event at Marian College in Dublin, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating: “The new Road Safety Authority TY programme is a very important road safety awareness resource for schools. With this new programme, we are taking a big step forward in terms of education for a critical age group of road users.”

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless, also emphasized the value of engaging young people through the programme. He remarked: “The Road Safety Matters programme has been developed as a resource that is engaging and easy to follow, encouraging students to apply the theory of road safety to their everyday lives.”

The RSA, under the leadership of Chief Executive Sam Waide, is committed to equipping future generations with the knowledge and awareness needed for safe road use, especially as many students begin to consider obtaining their driving licenses.

Paula Hilman, Assistant Commissioner for Roads Policing and Community Engagement with An Garda Síochána, stressed the role of education in reducing road fatalities: “Education is crucial in increasing awareness of road safety among people and young, new drivers in particular. This refreshed transition year programme is welcomed.”

In his statement, John Hogan, Chair of IPB Insurance, shared the organisation’s enthusiasm in supporting the programme: “We are excited to be partnering with the RSA as official sponsors in support of our local authority and ETB Members… Encouraging our young people to become road safety aware is very important to us.”

For more information on the new RSA Road Safety Matters TY Programme, schools can register for the initiative and access the available materials, including a teacher support booklet, student learning logs, webinars, and additional resources.

This sponsorship marks another step in IPB Insurance’s ongoing commitment to promoting road safety and fostering partnerships that create positive societal impacts across Ireland. We are excited to embark on this journey with the Department of Education, Department of Transport and Road Safety Authority.