Drivers warned to go slow as death toll hits 26

THE National Safety Council has warned drivers to slow down following 26 road deaths this month.

Eleven people were killed on the roads in the last seven days, including three Limerick teenagers and a young Co Wexford couple and their baby.

“Drivers, do not allow a repeat of the carnage that took place on Irish roads at the end of July 2002. Slow down, don’t drink and drive and wear a seatbelt front and rear,” NSC chief executive Pat Costello said last night.

The call from the NSC comes as figures from last year showed that 16 people died on the roads in one week, from July 23 to 31. “July was the worst month for road deaths in 2002 with 42 fatalities recorded. We do not want to see such a repetition this year,” Mr Costello said.

“During the summer months there are added dangers as more people are travelling to and from sporting, cultural and social events and there are increasing numbers of foreign visitors touring the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, the community in the Hospital-Herbertstown area of Co Limerick is in shock following the tragic deaths of three young people in a horrific two-car crash on Thursday night.

The victims were James Ryan, 19, of Castlefarm, Hospital, Co Limerick; Seamus Keogh, 18, Ballinard, Herbertstown and 16-year-old Naomi Mulcahy, also of Ballinard.

They were travelling together to a match when their Toyota Starlet car was involved in a head-on collision with a Toyota Avensis at a sweeping bend on the Caherconlish-Mitchelstown road.

“People in the parish area are shocked and devastated by this awful tragedy,” local priest Fr Michael Kennedy said.

“These three fine young people were struck down in the prime of their lives.

Gardaí are looking for witnesses and anyone who was travelling on the Catherconlish-Mitchelstown road between 6.30pm and 7pm on Thursday. Bruff Garda Station can be contacted at 061-382940.