Irish Bishop Bank Holiday appeal for road safety

Ahead of this May Bank Holiday weekend in the Irish Republic and in Northern Ireland, Bishop Liam MacDaid asked motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to take special care of themselves and their loved ones when using our road network.

Bishop MacDaid said: "As of today road fatality figures so far this year stand at 57 in the Republic and 22 in the North. 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 our May Bank Holiday weekend I am asking all road users to exercise particular vigilance in terms of safety and to be responsible on the roads over the coming days. I welcome the gardaí's recent initiative highlighting the danger to motorists of being distracted while driving, in particular by mobile phones.

Bishop MacDaid concluded: "Care for one another in our community is a basic human value which travels across all faiths and cultures. This duty of care also applies to our road use and it is fundamental to the common good of society."

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

Source: Irish Catholic Media Office