Motorists are advised to be extra attentive this week as more than 800,000 children return to school. The National Safety Council (NSC) has warned drivers that the unpredictable behaviour of children on the roads demands maximum concentration.
Its chief executive, Mr Pat Costello, said the traffic caused by school runs made term time "testing" for drivers.
"Aside from grappling with the usual traffic problems, they face thousands of young and inexperienced pedestrians and cyclists. They need to be doubly attentive from this week onward," he said.
The NSC recommends that motorists look out for children getting on and off buses, remain mindful of children crossing roads at all times, give room to cyclists, and "expect the unexpected".
It is also asking parents to discuss the rules of the road with their children, including deciding on the safest route to school. Parents driving their children to school are advised to make sure that there is no danger to children getting out of the car and no obstruction to other traffic or pedestrians.
Copies of the NSC's leaflet, Getting to School, are available from the council and from public libraries.