Research by Road Safety Authority has shown that two thirds of pedestrians killed by Irish roads had been drinking.
With the Bank Holiday approaching a young couple from Co Mayo are appealing to people to be extra careful when making their way home at night.
The couple, Maggie Bonner and Michael Jackson, spoke to John Keogh on today’s Lunchtime about an incident in June of last year, in which Michael, while driving home hit what he thought was “a slight bump” in the road.
"I was just driving down the road, very dark night, wet night, heavy mist ... there was something black on the road and I kind of swerved but it felt like a slight bump. When I checked the van there was damage done to the front bumper,” Michael said.
“We went back and we found a body on the road.”
The horror of the situation was compounded immeasurably when Michael realised who he had struck – the father of his girlfriend, Maggie.
“I tried ringing emergency services but I wasn’t able ... I just froze,” Michael told John.
Maggie and Michael spoke with Lunchtime today to tell their story, and appeal for others to be extra vigilant and careful while walking home late at night
Listen here
