Ireland neglects its road traffic accident victims

I would like to draw attention to the forthcoming annual Commemoration Sunday for Road Traffic Accident Victims on Sunday, November 15.

This is a very important occasion every year when we remember our family members, relatives, friends colleagues and neighbours who are victims or survivors of road traffic accidents.

Whilst we remember those who have sadly left us — we must also help those who have survived some horrific injuries — such as brain damage, spinal injuries, neck injuries, amputations, loss of vision and so on.

The most fitting way we can help these people is to ensure that they and their families have the services and supports they need to recover from the psychological, emotional and physical trauma of these injuries.

In Ireland we are severely limited in services for these people — firstly at acute hospital level, then appropriate rehabilitation and ongoing community support to enable them to return home and to have some decent quality of life.

If the Government wants to acknowledge these who have suffered, a fitting tribute would be to look after those who have survived — including bereaved families.

Mary Farrell

Enfield

Co Meath