Today is the 24th of October and the headlines in the paper concern the burial of the victims of a car accident in Co. Monaghan, where 5 young people perished. The words of the priests at the funeral masses are quoted, the highly emotional scenes described and the usual appeals to do something about the carnage on the roads is repeated. I have read them all, and wonder what I could add that would in any way influence the betterment of the situation.
Every year, for many years now, I have written something for the Basketball Blitz magazine. A few days ago I got the usual note from ‘the Duke’, and was about to tell him that I had nothing in my head to write about. And then, as I look at today’s papers, I react and believe that more people should join in the appeal to young people, parents, teachers and everybody involved with the young to accept the challenge for a greater degree of responsibility for the safety on our roads, and to stop what must be accepted as the madness that has killed over 75 lovely young people already this year. One quarter of all crash victims this year are young men under 26, more than half the passengers killed are under 25, etc., etc.-all the cold statistics.
But above all-all the loss and sorrow, all the needless loss, all the young people who should have life before them, should have happiness, families, jobs and big contribution to society, so much to achieve, so much care and love to give to so many. What a waste of life and talents. Sad, sad and sad! We whisper a prayer for them; we sympathise with their families and shocked young friends, and hope that they will cope with their loss and heartbreak, and be able to get on with life without them.
But we cannot leave it here. We must look ahead and do what we can do to make the roads a safer place for all of us, young and old alike. And that must not be just a pious wish. It is a serious responsibility for each and every one of us. We cannot opt out of it-none of us. We cannot use the usual ‘What is the government doing about it’. The government must do a lot more about it; of course. It can make laws as mentioned in the media, in regard to restricting young drivers to smaller cars, getting more professional training, more serious punishment for offences and many other ways. But all the laws, all the Martin Cullens, all the gardai on patrol, will not end the road accidents to a great degree. It is true, of course, that the vast majority of young people (seeing that this article is mostly about young people) are not involved in accidents. Most drive as carefully as most adults. But the fact that most fatal accidents involve young people could lead to laws that could penalise the majority of young people who drive carefully. They could be restricted just because they are young, and that would not be fair.
Having said that we must emphasise that young people, all young people, must be trained and educated about driving, about the skills and responsibilities of driving, as they would be about being trained for their professional life. Every skill in life-sport, trades, and professions-is honed and perfected by training, practice and care. So all young people-trainees-should be involved as practically all will have their own cars early in life. They have views, like all of us, and their views in regard to safety, cars etc should be listened to by legislators. Young people can be resourceful and if their contribution is recognised, they can and will accept some responsibility.
I am looking at a quote from Noel Brett, head of The Road Safety Authority where he lays a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of parents, in an effort to get their priorities right in regard to their children driving cars. I quote “Many parents will spend more money on dancing and music lessons, yet they are prepared to give a highly powered and dangerous car to a child with little or no tuition. Driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do. We are really urging people to make the hard decision, and say ‘no, you can’t have a car until I am satisfied that I know what you are doing and that you are able to use it’”.
Strong words but responsible and timely-words that should be listened to, quoted, broadcast time and time again, words to be taught in schools and heard in Churches, words very close to what the priests in Monaghan-Frs. Joe McCloskey and Martin O’Reilly-had to say at yesterday’s funerals. They spelt out the same practical and necessary advice.
Parents above all, should be responsible here. Theirs is the basic first-line responsibility-the education and training of their children. Most parents always are responsible, but some spoil their children (of all ages) in order to hold their respect. But respect is earned, and before it is earned, it is taught. Loving and respecting children is not really done by showering them with gifts (big and expensive) but by giving them a lot of quality time to train them and give them values and respect for others. Too many parents make the crucial mistake of thinking that things given make up for personal neglect and later live to regret a mistake they cannot correct. Some have already made it in regard to their attitude to alcohol-forgetting that example and common sense is the greatest influence of all. Children imitate for a long, long time, and respect guidance-and refusal-that is sincere and fair.
Over the years as a priest in parishes and as hospital chaplain, I have like other priests, been called to fatal or serious road accidents, and I honestly believe that nothing could prepare me or the gardaí or doctors present for the horror of seeing the mangled bodies of the lovely young people lying on the road dying or dead. And nothing could prepare us for being the messenger at the family door of the bad and unexpected news. You don’t sleep that night. But what about the trauma of the fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters who have to live with it for evermore.
No point here in trying to analyse the immediate causes of road accidents causing death or maiming. But in most peoples mind are suspicions of drunkenness, drugs, speeding , and tiredness of the late hours, the giggly exuberance and showing off that distracts drivers, or several combinations of these. Very often the stark reality of these circumstances and reasons are not highlighted in order not to point the finger of blame that could cause further hurt to families who are already suffering enough, or maybe feeling guilt of their own neglect or failure.
But ordinary observers, and especially victims, know the truth lies there. Talk to any victim of drunken driving or lunatic speedster; look at the state of a car involved in a serious accident, or the condition of the roadside, and you will know that drink, speeding, incompetence was definitely involved. We cannot keep making excuses. We must face blame and apportion it. And pay for it. We cannot continue to afford the loss of young and valuable people.
I have been shooting from the hip. I do not want to offend. But still looking at today’s paper, I am echoing the challenge of today’s journalists. Straight talking on this serious and continuing issue is needed. Personal attitudes must change to responsible actions-maybe through decisions made by every adult and especially every parent.
This has been written in haste, without order or reflection. It is a sincere reaction to the terrible tragedy of the untimely deaths and the maiming of people who should be the future professionals, artisans, parents, sportspeople and leaders of communities. We cannot afford such loss, and we must help to stop it.
My final words are to young people. You are too precious to risk being lost. So I plead with you, every young man or woman behind the wheel, not to drive beyond your capacity speed wise; not to drink and drive at all; not to meddle with drugs; not to drive when tired; respect road conditions, etc etc. Your life is too precious; your machine is too powerful to take risks. Do listen to Road Safety Authority and Gardaí-they know what they are talking about from sad experience. Don’t let your parents down if they trust you with the car. That is what makes you a responsible adult who intends to live and work and enjoy life.
Go neirí gach bothar leat agus go dte tu slán abhaile gach lá is oíche.
Article written for the 2006 Programme.