Why Young Drivers Need the AXA Roadsafe Roadshow: Real Stories, Real Consequences

If you’re just starting to drive or know someone who is about to get on the road, then listen up.  Road safety isn’t something you only hear about in driving lessons. It’s about everyday choices behind the wheel.  That’s exactly why the AXA  Roadsafe Roadshow, run in partnership with Donegal County Council and An Garda Síochána, visited Donegal this October.

What’s happening and why it matters:

The stakes are high: In 2024, 17 people died on roads in County Donegal, and 55 more were seriously injured. So far this year, 10 people have died on Donegal roads, with 28 serious injuries reported.*

Young drivers are at higher risk: AXA Ireland data shows young drivers (85%) are more likely to be involved in road collisions, with speed, distraction and inexperience playing major roles. According to An Garda Síochána, a total of 18,305 individuals have been issued fines to date for using mobile phones while driving.*

The AXA Roadsafe Roadshow is stepping in where it counts. The event brought 2,700 Transition Year students from every secondary school in Donegal together for a powerful, eye-opening experience at The Aura Venue in Letterkenny.  Over the course of 2025 it is estimated that it will be attended by 12,000 Transition Year students.  Find out more on the AXA website.

What is the AXA Roadsafe Roadshow 

Now in its 17th year, the Roadshow teams up with local county councils, An Garda Síochána and emergency services to give young people a real-life look at what reckless driving can do. The hard-hitting event includes:

• A night-out reenactment that shows the consequences of dangerous driving.
• First-hand accounts from emergency responders who deal with road traffic accidents and fatalities.
• Personal stories from survivors and families affected by collisions.  For the Donegal event this included Rachel Elliott, who survived a collision that tragically killed her two friends in Bundoran in 2018 and Bernadette Rice, who lost her twin sister Clarice in a road traffic collision in 2019.

The goal is simple: make the dangers feel real so young people think twice before they get behind the wheel. It’s not about scaring people - it’s about giving them a true, unfiltered picture of the impact of speeding, distraction, substance use and other risky behaviours on themselves and others.

What you can take away if you’re a young driver

Knowing the risks: speed, distractions (like mobile phones), and alcohol or drugs behind the wheel aren’t worth the thrill.

Plan ahead: if you’re going out, arrange a safe ride home - designate a driver, use public transport, or call a trusted adult.

Keep distractions out of reach: phone out of sight, music at a safe level and focus on the road.

What’s next and how to stay involved

The AXA Roadsafe Roadshow isn’t stopping in Donegal - the event will visit locations in North Dublin and Kerry later in 2025. 

If you’re interested in learning more check the AXA Ireland website for more information and updates around upcoming Roadsafe Roadshows.

*Local road safety statistics provided by the An Garda Siochana (AGS)