PRESS RELEASE
30 July 2010
Bishop Liam MacDaid, Bishop of Clogher, today called on all road users, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, to take special care of themselves and their loved ones as they travel this August bank holiday weekend, which is the busiest weekend of the year on our roads.
Bishop MacDaid said “Ahead of our August bank holiday weekend, and in the wake of the most serious Irish road accident on record in Donegal on 12 July last, I ask that we exercise particular vigilance in terms of our road safety responsibilities over the next three days.
“As individuals we have an obligation to exercise a real duty of care to other road users by improving our driver behaviour, and at a public policy level, this improved behaviour needs to be matched with effective strategic planning and greater resourcing.
“Care for one another in the community is a basic value which travels across different cultures and different religions. This duty of care also applies to our road use and it is fundamental to the common good.”
Bishop MacDaid recommends the following dedicated prayer for motorists which they may wish to pray before driving:
Prayer for motorists before driving:
Before I take my place behind the wheel
I pray, O Sacred Heart – Guide me on my way.
Virgin Mary, Morning Star, from every danger guide this car.
Thou dear Lord who gave it to enjoy,
Grant that its purpose be to save and not destroy.
AMEN
