Road carnage - A change of thinking is required

THOUGH the health implications of smoking have been known for more than half a century constraint on public consumption is only now becoming widespread.

And though the trend in road deaths is downward that toll remains at such an alarmingly high level as to deserve our constant and active attention. As with smoking we are responsible for our own actions and the consequences of that behaviour.

Though there has been an extensive campaign to encourage a culture of safer road use any reference made now to the number of people — 12 — who lost their lives on our roads since last Thursday will almost certainly be surpassed before you read this.

Such is the momentum and relentlessness of the carnage that another family, or more probably families, will have joined those already heartbroken and distraught because of the loss of a loved one in such everyday but tragic circumstances.

Though it is gratifying to see safety campaigns having an impact, and as we begin what statisticians tell us is the most dangerous month of the year on Irish roads, it is obvious that we need to do more and every road user has a contribution to make.

Just as smokers have become pariahs reckless drivers must be challenged and each of us should consider how other road users see us and if we need to modify our behaviour. Manners, after all, are no more than the imposition of self discipline to show respect for others and on our roads manners will save lives.