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Ahead of the October bank holiday weekend in the Irish Republic, Bishop Liam MacDaid, Bishop of Clogher calls on all road users: motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, to take special care of themselves and their loved ones. Bishop MacDaid said: “We have all been deeply touched by the sad and tragic loss of innocent lives on our roads over the last week. This loss of human life is heart breaking for the loved ones of the deceased and a tragedy for our society as a whole.

“Ahead of this October bank holiday weekend - which coincides with the mid-term break from school - I am asking all road users to exercise particular vigilance in terms of safety and to be responsible on the roads over the next days. 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.

“I ask road users to take heed of the advice of the Road Safety Authority that this is the most dangerous time of year on our roads. I also welcome the announcement today that Gardaí will increase the level of road safety enforcement over this long weekend.”

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 should be matched by effective strategic planning and greater resourcing.”

Bishop MacDaid recommends the following dedicated prayer for motorists which may be recited before 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

The Diocese of Clogher crosses the border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Up to 25 October the recorded 2012 road fatality figures stood at 141 for the Republic, and at 34 for the North.

Source: Irish Catholic Media Office