A Donegal-born Catholic bishop has urged motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to take special care on the roads this bank holiday weekend.Bishop Liam McDaid, who was consecrated as bishop of Clogher last Sunday, urged all road-users to take special care of themselves and their loved ones as they travel this August bank holiday weekend, the busiest weekend of the year on our roads.
In a statement last night, Bishop MacDaid said that in the wake of the most serious Irish road accident on record in Donegal on July 12, "we exercise particular vigilance in terms of our road safety responsibilities over the next three days".
He added: "As individuals we have an obligation to exercise a real 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 with effective strategic planning and greater resourcing."
Dangerous
The bishop was speaking as gardai vowed to crack down on dangerous driving.
Officers will increase the number of mandatory drink-driving check points, as well as deploying speed detector vans around the country.
Gardai are also asking the public to encourage family and friends to slow down.
Bishop MacDaid yesterday also recommended the following dedicated prayer for motorists which they may wish to say before getting behind the wheel:
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.
SIC: II