Killarney crash - We must try to end this carnage

The road crash near Killarney yesterday in which four young people lost their lives and another was seriously injured is probably the nightmare of the parents of all adolescents. It is another human tragedy that resonates with all parents.

The deaths on Kerry roads have risen to nine this year, while the national total for 2010 currently stands at 137. The latest tragedy comes against the backdrop of the horrific crash in Donegal last month in which seven young people travelling in one car were killed, along with the elderly driver of the car into which they crashed. That was the worst road accident in the history of the state.

In the last eight years, deaths on our roads have declined by over 40%, but there is no room for complacency because in comparison to our overall population, Ireland ranks seventh highest out of the 27 EU states in road deaths.