Crash carnage - Extra safety precautions are essential

THE worst road tragedy of the year, which claimed the lives of four members of one family and left two other victims in a critical condition, brings home with sickening force the continuing toll of carnage on the roads.

Involving six vehicles, a car, four trucks, and a van, the pile-up happened on a stretch of road between Cahir and Mitchelstown, a notorious black spot which has claimed many lives. According to one local resident, there were 25 fatalities over 20 years and he stopped counting some time ago.

Now that fatalities are gradually being reduced, this appalling multi-vehicle accident underlines the need for drivers to remain vigilant at all times.