By editor - 01 May, 2016
There have been 53 deaths on roads in the Republic and another 18 in Northern Ireland so far this year – a loss of life described as “heart-breaking” by the Bishop of Clogher.
In a statement for the bank holiday weekend, which usually sees a number of fatal crashes, Bishop Liam MacDaid appealed to all road users – motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, to take special care of themselves and their loved ones.
“Road accidents can have so many contributory factors – weather conditions, speed, alcohol, drugs, high jinks in the car, use of mobile phones, texting while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, tiredness,” Bishop MacDaid said on Friday.
Referring to the high number of road fatalities so far this year, he said the loss of human life was heart-breaking for the loved ones of the deceased and “a tragedy for our society as a whole”.
He urged all road users to exercise particular vigilance in terms of safety and to be responsible on the roads over the coming days.
“Care for one another in our community is a basic human value 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.”
“Prayer and reflection can change our driving behaviour, calm our aggression, remind us of the spiritual, moral and physical importance of what we are about to do,” he suggested.
The Bishop of Clogher recommended the following dedicated prayer for motorists which can be said before driving:
Prayer for motorists before driving
Holy Mother, hear our prayer,
Keep us in your loving care,
Whatever the perils of the way,
Let us not add to them this day.
So to our caution and attention,
We add a prayer for your protection,
To beg God’s blessing on this car,
To travel safely near and far. Amen.”
