Road Safety Authority Returns to National Ploughing Championships

Road Safety interactive experiences available for all at this year’s festival

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is set to return to the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois from 17 – 19 September, 2024. The RSA’s stand at Europe’s leading agricultural trade exhibition will feature a host of informative and engaging activities to educate attendees on road safety.

This year, the RSA stand will be fully immersive, offering an interactive experience including Virtual Reality, the Roll Over Simulator and FlineBox Interactive Breathalysers. In addition to this, the RSA staff will also be on hand to provide advice and information on:

• Trailer towing
• Vehicle Maintenance
• Tractor Safety
• Licensing
• CPC – professional training
• Roadworthiness testing
• Digital tachographs
• Driver’s hours and
• Medical fitness to drive.  

Recently activated at this year’s Electric Picnic, the RSA will be hosting FlineBox Interactive Breathalyser stations. These devices measure blood alcohol levels after testers have taken a drink, allowing them to make an informed decision before getting back on the road. Last month at Electric Picnic, almost 10,000 breathalyser tests were availed of by attendees.

The RSA will be located at the Government of Ireland Village. Hub 1 – Supporting Safe Communities from 17 - 19 September.

Speaking ahead of the national event, Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, said: “The Ploughing Championships are an important highlight in the RSA’s calendar. This year, as part of our commitment to educate the public on road safety, we have introduced the FlineBox Interactive Breathalysers to our suite of road safety educational devices. So come take part, and be sure to try out the virtual reality experience and the Roll-Over Simulator.”

The Roll-Over simulator continues to be a highly effective tool in encouraging people to use safety belts. The simulator is a car body fitted to a rotating hydraulic platform. Participants sit into the simulator and experience a half or a full rotation. The ‘simulation’ demonstrates the lifesaving benefits of wearing a seatbelt correctly in the event of collision.

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