Think back to your leaving Cert days......well things haven't changed that much; most of the students leaving schools this summer will be both excited and apprehensive at the prospect of a life in college.

They will be leaving a familiar environment and in September they will begin a new phase in their life in different surroundings, for many in another location, and many of them driving to college or work.

Each leaving Cert pupil in the 30 Schools in County Mayo will receive a driver contract from the Road Safety Team. In the contracts are a number of top tips that the student can follow to ensure that they stay safe on our roads.

Leaving Cert student Sarah Noonan with her mother Maureen with a copy of the driving safety contract which was included with all leaving cert results as Sancta Maria College, Louisburg, on the morning of receiving the results. Pic: Michael McLaughlin.

Get Home Safely...' is a regional road safety campaign which has been organised by Mayo County Council and supported by the Gardai in Co.Mayo.

Castlebar-based Superintendent Willie Keaveney said:"We would urge parents to discuss their children's plan for the evening, ask where they are going, who they are going with, how and when they plan on getting home."

Noel Gibbons Road Safety Officer said "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."

Leaving Cert student Shane Morrisson with his mother Ann with a copy of the driving safety contract which was included with all leaving cert results as Sancta Maria College, Louisburg, on the morning of receiving the results. Pic: Michael McLaughlin.

Get Home Safely - Driver Contract

I understand that driving, like any other privilege, comes with certain responsibilities that must be met. In order to retain my privilege to drive and become a more self-conscious driver, I agree to the following driving responsibilities.

YOUNG DRIVER

1.I understand that driving is not a right- it is a privilege, with certain responsibilities.

2.I agree to focus on driving at all times when I am behind the wheel of a vehicle. I will not be distracted by factors such as mobile phones, friends, music food, make-up or any other non- driving related factor.

3.I agree not to be a distraction to other drivers when I am a passenger in someone else's vehicle.

4.I agree to drive no faster than the speed limit at all times regardless of the situation and to obey all rules of the road.

5.I agree to wear my seat belt at all times whether I am the driver or passenger in a vehicle. I will require all passengers in my vehicle to wear a seat belt.

6.I will never drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that may impair my ability to drive safely, and I will not be a passenger in a vehicle driven by a person in such a condition.

7.I understand that I may contract you to be picked up at any time, regardless of the time and without question. I agree to discuss the situation and any potential consequences the next day.

PARENT/GUARDIAN

1.I agree to follow safe driving practice including wearing my seat belt and obeying all rules of the road as an example to you.

2. I agree to focus on driving at all times when I am behind the wheel of a vehicle. I will not be distracted by factors such as mobile phones, friends, music food, make-up or any other non- driving related factor.

3.I agree to pick you up or arrange a lift home regardless of the time and without question. I agree to discuss the situation and any potential consequences the next day.

YOUNG DRIVER AND PARENT/GUARDIAN

I agree to abide by all of the above conditions, knowing that they are in the interest of my safety, that of our family and of others.

I understand that by any violation will be met with consequences such as:

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Young Driver Signature .....................................................

PARENT/GUARDIAN Signature ....................................

Date .......