Road deaths - State must recognise day for victims

AS MILLIONS of people around the globe yesterday remembered victims of road accidents, Ireland had cause to hang its head in shame.

Despite putting measures in place at last to combat the scandal of road carnage, this country has yet to officially recognise the UN Day of Remembrance for accident victims.

That point was made forcefully yesterday by campaigner Michael O’Neill whose daughter and her boyfriend were killed in a road accident five years ago as they prepared to fly to Australia.

Tragically, most victims of fatal accidents in the Republic range in age from the late teens to mid-20s. Young people with their lives before them.

For the sake of all who grieve for loved ones, the Government and Transport Minister Cullen should respond positively and swiftly to Michael O’Neill’s call for Ireland to acknowledge the UN commemoration of those who die in road accidents.