By Sarah Mac Donald - 02 August, 2013
The Bishop of Clogher has appealed to all road users to exercise care on the roads over the bank holiday weekend, a traditionally busy time for travel.
In a statement, Bishop Liam MacDaid called on motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, to take special care of themselves and their loved ones.
Referring to the figures for road fatalities so far this year – 111 in the Republic and 33 in the Northern Ireland – the Bishop described this loss of human life as “heart-breaking for the loved ones of the deceased and a tragedy for our society as a whole.”
“Ahead of our August bank holiday weekend, I am asking all road users to exercise particular vigilance in terms of safety and to be responsible on the roads over the coming days,” he appealed.
“Care for one another in our community is a basic human value which travels across different faiths and cultures. This duty of care also applies to our road use and it is fundamental to the common good of all in society.”
Bishop MacDaid concluded, “As individuals we have an obligation to exercise a duty of care to other road users by improving our driver behaviour and, at a public policy level, this improved behaviour needs to be matched by effective strategic planning and greater resourcing.”
He also recommended that motorists say a dedicated prayer for safe driving:
Prayer for motorists before driving
Before I take my place behind the wheel
I pray, O Sacred Heart – Guide me on my way.
Virgin Mary, Morning Star, from every danger guide this car.
Thou dear Lord who gave it to enjoy,
Grant that its purpose be to save and not destroy.
Amen
By Sarah Mac Donald
