Drugs warning with LC results

Drugs warning to go along with leaving cert results

Emer Gallagher

THE 1,835 Leaving Certificate students in the county receiving their results tomorrow morning (Wednesday) will receive something extra along with the all-important slip of paper – a message urging them to drive safely.
A road safety message will inform them of the dangers of drug-driving ahead of the celebrations that typically follow after the results are issued.
Mayo County Council Road Safety Officer Noel Gibbons spear-headed the novel initiative last year warning of the dangers of drink-driving, but this year the focus is on drug-driving.
“The message that drinking and driving is illegal and will not be tolerated is well known and has been used for years, but it is vitally important for everyone to be aware that taking drugs and driving is also illegal and will not be tolerated,” said Mr Gibbons.
“People who take drugs and drive run the risk of killing themselves and other innocent road users. I hope that by getting youngsters to think of the dangers on one of the most important days of their lives the message will stay with them well into the future.”
The leaflet carries information about the implications of driving under the influence of drugs, such as the likelihood of accidents and the penalties in place.
D-day for over 50,000 Leaving Certificate students around the country looms as the 54-day wait after the State exams finished on June 20 ends tomorrow. In Mayo, 1,692 sixth year students sat the established Leaving Certificate this year, with 143 opting for the Leaving Certificate Applied.
“After the stress and tension of the June exams, it is perfectly understandable that young people will want to celebrate and let off some steam,” added Mr Gibbons.
“But we want young people to be aware of the dangers in cars and not to put themselves or their friends at risk, especially when it comes to travelling to venues to celebrate.
“We are also encouraging parents to stress the dangers of speed and drink-driving to their teenage children. Let this be a joyous occasion and not a memorable occasion for all the wrong reasons.”