THE Bishop of Raphoe pleaded with motorists in Donegal to show greater respect for life on the roads and not to "show off" and speed into eternity. Motorists should also not identify themselves with their cars.
The message was contained in a strongly worded pastoral letter from Dr Philip Boyce which was read out at all Masses in the diocese last Sunday.
Dr Boyce said the cause of hundreds of deaths and injuries on our roads each year was as a result of: "excessive speed, carelessness and the consumption of alcoholic and other stimulants".
He said that life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God and that we are obliged to take care of them and not to put them in danger through careless conduct.
"Over 300 people were killed last year in Ireland in road accidents. In Donegal alone, about 20 people lose their lives every year in this way. Many thousands are injured on the roads or maimed for life.
"While human error explains some of there fatalities and injuries, most of them are caused by excessive speed, carelessness and the consumption of alcoholic and other stimulants," he said.
Destroy
Bishop Boyce added that human life is sacred and that no one should destroy or put in danger their own life or the lives of others.
"Therefore, I urge all users of the roads to drive carefully, to observe the rules of the road, to have respect for other drivers.
Exercise patience and restraint; keep your car in good mechanical order. When exhausted or sleepy, take a break."
He added: "Do not identify yourself with your car, showing off or dominating others by improper overtaking. Do not rush (into eternity) while breaking the speed limit. We should all remember that drinking and driving is often a fatal combination. We can enjoy ourselves, but in moderation," he commented.
Bishop Boyce said that long journeys can be made shorter and safer by saying a prayer during it, for example, the Rosary.
"It is also customary here to bless oneself when passing a church or cemetery. Some motorists keep in their car a little bottle of holy water, a miraculous medal or a card with a prayer for motorists.
Then, there is the praiseworthy custom of having a priest bless a new car. Any and all of these devotions can truly help to protect and save us on the roads."
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