Tributes to crash victim at CIT safety week

A YOUNG graduate who died in a car crash yesterday was remembered hours later as his former college launched a campaign focusing on road safety.

Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) observed a minute’s silence for Stephen Allen, 21, before students released a single black balloon in his memory.

They then released 245 balloons in memory of last year’s road death victims to mark the start of CIT Student’s Union’s (CITSU) Safety Week.

Mr Allen’s death brought to 31 (16 drivers, 10 pedestrians and five passengers) the number of people to die on Irish roads already this year.

CITSU president Gearóid Buckley said everyone’s thoughts and prayers are with Mr Allen’s family and friends. “A book of condolence will be open all week for him,” he said.

Mr Allen, from Calderwood Road, Douglas, Cork, graduated on Friday, February 19, last with a distinction in Nautical Science from CIT’s constituent college, the National Maritime College of Ireland.

He died on the outskirts of the city when the white Honda Integra he was driving hit a wall at Carr’s Hill, on the main Douglas to Carrigaline Road, close to the Bloomfield Interchange, at around 2.50am. There were no other vehicles involved.

A second man, also aged 21 and who was a passenger in the car, was taken to Cork University Hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Gardaí at Togher are investigating and hope to interview the injured man when his condition improves. They have also appealed for witnesses to contact them on 021-4947120.

CIT’s chaplaincy is also offering support to students.

Mr Buckley said with over 16,000 students and staff in CIT, it is very apt to highlight issues such as road, fire and personal safety.

“Over the past number of years, CIT Safety Week has been proven to build awareness among young people about the dangers when driving,” he said.

“The week-long campaign hits home safety points on numerous levels and feedback over the years has proved that people have slowed down and taken measures to ensure their own safety.”

Four crashed cars in which young fatalities occurred will be placed at strategic locations around CIT’s Bishopstown campus.

The Garda Road Show which includes lectures and a demonstration of equipment like the breathalyser will take place and Advanced Pit Stop will offer free car safety checks.

Students will also be able to use the Drive Aware simulators, which use the standards set down by the Irish Driving Test and Road Safety Authority.

“This is a good way to notice any bad habits you may have picked up, and a print out of any mistakes will be given after each lesson,” Mr Buckley said.

Self defence classes will take place free of charge in the Sports Hall between 1pm and 2pm today and 2pm and 3pm tomorrow.

Free defibrillator classes will be offered in an attempt to get 100 students and staff trained.