South Meath Driving School

Statistics aren’t the first choice of the reader: they have been alluded to as hated by many, wanted by plenty, disliked by some and confronted by none! That’s not to mention Disraeli’s alleged attribute to the subject as ‘Lies, damned lies and statistics.’ However much people disparage statistics that don’t support their argument, at the end of the day, they stand cold and we must live with them.
In 2008, 49 pedestrians were killed and 1,124 injured on our roads representing 18% of the total fatalities. With the darker evenings approaching, pedestrians and cyclists are all the more vulnerable to accident. With a little more thought, a lot of danger can be reduced or eliminated. Some simple measures as those following can see you out and take you home safely.

• Wear bright clothing at night, or, a high visibility vest and armband.
• On country roads, carry a torch.
• Use footpaths, if provided.
• Don’t cross a road at a bend.
• Walk two abreast, or, preferably, single file.
• Don’t cross the road between parked cars.
• Look and listen.

Pedestrians who are inebriated present a serious risk. They’re oblivious to danger and should get a taxi or friend to get them home. Publicans have a responsibility to those leaving their premises while under the weather and should give them every assistance possible to ensure their safety. Pity the poor ould publican doing taxi till 3.00am.

It’s my opinion that the bus Stop on the new Athboy Bypass (near Lidl) creates a serious risk to people boarding or alighting from the bus. Firstly, the Stop is on a bend which has limited forward visibility and there’s a continuous centre white line on the road there. Then with a shelter on one side and a stopping bay opposite, users find themselves crossing the road there at an undesirable location. This road carries a heavy volume of traffic.

Cyclists, too, are a vulnerable species of traveller. They also suffer their unfair share of fatalities and serious injury. Schoolchildren returning home once the clocks go back must be very wary and have their bicycles properly lighted. Wear a helmet and visibility vest. Have the bicycle ‘serviced’ – just like a car owner does. Maybe a NCT- type inspection  for bicycles wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
Don’t cycle on footpaths and use cycle lanes where provided. Comply with pedestrian crossings and traffic lights.Keep well clear of left turning lorries, the driver may not see you.
Don’t weave in and out through traffic; keep both hands on the handlebars.
Enjoy the bike for as long as possible, it’s cheap to run, faster around town and there’s no road tax or insurance compulsorily on it, YET.
In the 1960s a rural dweller named Rogan was prosecuted at Mohill District Court for walking on the left side of the road. The law changed about that time and  pedestrians had to walk on the right. The Garda said he had warned Rogan of the change in the law but he had ignored it. The Judge asked him if he wished to say anything. Rogan replied, ‘Crimeney, your worship, I’d prefer be killed on the side of the road that I know best!’ He was fined a shilling and lived to a ripe old age,  refusing, meanwhile, to walk ‘right.’ Let today’s walkers be more enlightened.