Keep your child safe when using public transport. Teach them about the risks.
Safety on buses
There are things you should and should not do when you are using buses with your child.
Do
-
wear a seat belt if provided - this is the law
-
teach your child how to use a seat belt
-
stay seated while the bus is moving
-
place school bags away safely, for example under your seat
-
show your child to take special care when getting on or off the bus
-
stand well back from the road while waiting for the bus - until it stops
Don't
-
do not cross the road until the bus has moved off and you can see clearly in both directions
If using a wheelchair or buggy:
- use the designated space on the bus
- make sure the breaks are on when the bus is moving
How to stay safe as a passenger in a public bus - rsa.ie
Bus and minibus safety on organised trips
Your child may use a hired bus or minibus to and from:
- school
- school trips
- other outings
All hired buses or minibuses that transport more than 3 children must be fitted with seat belts.
Seat belts must be worn by everyone, including your child.
Some buses have shoulder belt adjusters on their seat belts that help position the seat belt correctly on your child's body. Learn how to use these correctly.
Download the Road Safety Authority's (RSA) leaflet about road safety and hiring a bus that transports children.
Hiring a bus (PDF, 180 KB, 2 pages) - rsa.ie
How to wear your seat belt correctly - rsa.ie
Using car seats
Taxis or bus companies do not have to provide car seats for children. But you can ask for permission from the bus company or driver to use your own child car seat for the journey.
This is useful for:
- babies who are not able to sit up on their own yet
- children who are too small for a seat belt to be positioned correctly on their body
If your baby cannot sit by themselves, use an infant carrier. For young children, use a booster seat or cushion to help you position their seat belt correctly on their body.
Car seats and child safety in cars
Safety on trains, trams and near railway tracks
There are things you should do when you are on a railway or tram platform with your child.
Do
-
keep your child close to you
-
stay away from the edge of the platform and behind the safety lines
-
keep buggies behind the safety lines, with the brakes on
-
wait for the train or tram to stop before crossing the safety lines towards it
-
use designated crossings to cross the track
-
tell train or station staff if you drop something on the track - they'll help you safely get it
-
stand back from the doors when the warning sound rings and the lights begin flashing - the doors are closing
Mind the gap when getting on and off the train
Take extra care when you and your child are getting on or off the train or tram.
Be very careful about the gap between the train and the platform edge. Your child could slip between and fall onto the tracks. This could be life threatening.
On the train
Your child should sit down throughout the journey. Place their school bag under their seat.
If a seat is not available, make sure your child holds onto to the handrails provided.
Always hold your child's hand when walking through a train or tram carriage. Do not let them run in the carriages.
You can bring some activities, such as a book or a game, to keep them occupied.
Railway tracks and level crossings
Railway tracks and level crossings can be dangerous places. It’s important to always take care, especially when you’re with children.
Important
Never go onto railway tracks for any reason.
Teach your child to follow the Rail Cross Code.
The Rail Cross Code
- Always expect a train.
- Stop behind the white line, look both ways and listen for a train.
- Give way to trains.
- When the railway is clear, cross quickly - never stop on the tracks.
- If there are gates, shut and fasten them after you - it's the law.
Rail Cross Code - irishrail.ie
Never let your child cross level crossings alone.
If you need to walk across a level crossing you should:
- follow the Rail Cross Code
- always hold your child's hand
- take extra care with buggies or prams
- read any signs and notices
- only cross when directed to, if it is a staffed crossing
- always expect a train if it is an unstaffed crossing
- close the gates after you have crossed, if it is an unstaffed crossing