Slow down and allow people cross the road

Dear Sir,

IN light of yet another incident of a pedestrian struck by a car in Donegal recently, I would like to appeal to your readers to be extra vigilant on our roads, especially in this current horrendous weather.

Thank God the young child on her way to school was not seriously injured when a vehicle mounted the pavement she was walking on struck her.

Lately numbers of pedestrians involved in accidents with vehicles are on the increase at an alarming rate.

There are a number of possible reasons why these “accidents” are occurring with many people now back at work as the economy strengthens, thus resulting in more motorists using the local and national roads.

Remember all accidents are preventable and we all can make a difference.

As a resident of Drogheda myself I am alarmed to see just how few pedestrian crosses we have in place in our town. They really are few and far between and as a consequence we have children making their way to and from school crossing busy roads and streets.

Which brings me to my next point, the age old tradition of motorists allowing people (young and not so young) to cross the street when safe to do so.

I am not asking motorists to put themselves or others in danger by slamming on the brakes to allow that elderly lady or young child to cross the street.

No, I am merely asking that we too remember a time when we had no car under our backsides or the time when we wanted to cross the street in the lashings of rain with our hands full, trying to seek the comfort and dryness of our own car or indeed home.

Believe me when I tell you that you too can make somebody’s day with just a simple gesture of kindness by allowing that person to cross the street when safe to do so.

I fully understand that we all have busy lives and it’s hard to find the time to go out of our way but it’s a small sacrifice and believe it or not a feel good factor.

Let’s face it we have all been there at some point or another, so let’s be a little more courteous on our roads.

May I also take the opportunity to extend the same request to motorists to be on the lookout for runners/joggers?

And finally let’s take a moment to remember the quote:

“Be nice to people on your way up because you might meet them again on your way back down.”