Road deaths - A crucial message

Despite 19 fatalities on the roads of Kerry last year, Kerry County Council is terminating the services of its one and only road safety education officer as part of its budgetary cutbacks. The officer has been involved in promoting road safety among young people, especially through schools.

A council spokesman contends that available funding is being directed to provide “a safe network for our road users”.

Some 21% of the people killed on Kerry roads were motorcyclists, mainly young men. Ironically, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is stepping up its campaign in conjunction with Kildare County Council by appealing to young people attending the Oxegen Festival.