THE ROAD Safety Authority has urged all drivers to take responsibility for their actions following the multiple fatality in Donegal.
RSA chief executive Noel Brett said it took only a moment for many lives to be ruined. “A split second . . . has absolutely shattered the lives of eight families and an entire community.”
It was important, Mr Brett said, that no one jumped to conclusions about the cause of the crash, but it was equally important that lessons were learned. “When we have a tragedy like this . . . we have to try to take something positive from it and we would ask people to take personal responsibility for their actions on the roads.”
He said the road safety message was not being lost on young people. Some 455 young men between 17 and 24 were killed in crashes from 1998 to 2009, but this was a reduction of 34 per cent over the period.
“We are making huge progress and it is important to say that most young people are very mature in their attitude to road use, but I appeal at this time for younger road users to be extra vigilant on the roads.”
Expressing his condolences for the bereaved, Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey urged road users to “redouble their efforts” to improve road safety.
“This past weekend has seen terrible tragedy on our roads. Ten lives were lost in a single weekend, and that is truly shocking.
“I am saddened to hear this news and that families across the country are suffering needlessly.
“I wish to extend my condolences to the families and communities of all of those who lost their lives in Donegal, Galway and Tipperary last weekend. I also wish to praise An Garda Síochána and the emergency services who responded to these incidents.”
Mr Dempsey added: “Just over two weeks ago I accepted an EU award marking Ireland’s progress to improve our road safety record. Today we are vividly reminded that we can never, ever become complacent about road safety.”
