Donegal’s love after with the motor car has led to both pleasure and pain in our many years on the road. Many lives have been lost behind the wheel and On The Road columnist Brian McDaid, more than many people, has first hand experience of the pain suffered through road traffic accidents. As part of his column this week, he takes a sideways look at road safety in Donegal.
The Garda Car
A Garda car from the 1980’s which were on patrol in the towns around, Letterkenny.
On a Sunny Saturday morning around this time of year a patrol car was struck from behind by another car, both of which were making their way down Letterkenny Main St.
The driver of the Garda car stepped out to look at the damage to his vehicle. He also recognised the driver of the car that ran into the back of him. The damage to both cars was very light so he proceeded to have a chat with the driver of the other car.
“What happened you there?” asked the Garda. The embarrassed driver replied “I was looking at that doll walking down the street.” The Garda look in the direction that the driver had pointed, and the Garda quietly replied, “so was I, so was I.”
The small amount of damage to both cars was repaired and that was all was said about it, It well over 30 years ago since that small distraction happened. But its as good a place as any to chat about they way drivers are now distracted every day the get behind the wheel of a car.
Years ago cars were not as good as they are today. It does not seem that long ago (to me anyway) that family cars had no power steering, brakes were not that good, suspensions gave a lot of bother, so when you were driving a car you could literally feel the road.
Nowadays cars are that good and so well insulated and engines are so quiet, you could easily be driving along in the wrong gear, it you didn’t look down at the rev counter pitching up the dial.
Then add the fact that a small computer is carried around with us everywhere now, with all out emails, contacts, social media life, Messages , which we call a mobile phone,
The law is strict on the use of phones while driving, but really drivers are putting them selves in more danger by trying to read messages and dials numbers below the view of other road users.
Anyone in business will know that answering a call and missing a call can be the difference in getting work and missing a job. The smart phone was meant to help us with our busy lives but it’s really putting our life in more danger, if we drive and try to operate a phone.
Oh and, by the way, I am as guilty as the next for doing this.
Road Traffic accident
The combination of a mobile phone while driving is one of the biggest single dangers to drivers and everyone that my meet. Photo Brian McDaid
I think the saddest thing I ever seen was while attending a road traffic accident as a fire man many years ago. It was in the middle of the night ,the single occupant was fatally injured in the single car accident. He still had to be cut from the mangle metal that once was a family car.
As we were working to cut his remains free, a mobile phone in the footwell of the car starting bleeping and lighting up with a text message.
It was the time of the “BUDWEISER WASSUP” advertisement which was popular on television, and everyone was sending the message “Wassup” as a greeting and so was this phone receiving that same message that night.
A couple of minutes later another message came in asking Are you ok? Then the phone went silent.
The thoughts went through my head at that moment of two people having the craic on the phone. Maybe it did and maybe it didn’t have anything to do with the accident, maybe the phone fell to the floor before the accident and the driver was trying to retrieve it and lost concentration on the road. We will never know.
All I did know that night that the next message was never going to be sent by the driver of that wrecked car.
Back in them days mobile phone service and coverage in Co Donegal was poor enough, so people were less on their phones while driving.
If we winded it on to the present day and a person’s life revolves around their phone, they can’t be with out it between.
Checking the likes of social media, posting messages, emails from work, reminders, diary bookings – the list goes on and on. Our cars are effortless to drive but our phones take up all out attention when we are trying to concentrate on the road.
Sleeping at the wheel
Did you know that approximately 25-30% of collisions results from driver fatigue? Note these helpful tips to help stay awake and alert for the long trip.
Driving When Tired…Myths
We have very little control over the onset of sleep. Studies prove that people have a limited ability to predict the onset of sleep, even if they think they can. Consequently, many people choose to ignore the signals that sleep is needed. They continue their trip believing they will make it to their destination safely.
Here are two common myths about driving when sleepy: (1) Most people believe that turning up the radio or rolling down a window will keep them alert and awake. This is simply not true. (2) Many also feel that chewing gum, eating, or drinking will relieve fatigue. Wrong again! There is no major evidence to support this.
Signs of Sleepiness
Your body will tell you when you are sleepy. Do not ignore the following warning signs:
A drowsy, relaxed feeling
Blurred vision
Difficulty keeping your eyes open
Head nodding
Excessive yawning
Repeatedly drifting out of your lane
Who Is at Risk?
Everybody is at risk of collisions because of fatigue, especially:
Shift-workers with alternate shifts
Commercial drivers
People on monotonous drives
People with undiagnosed sleep disorders such as sleep apnea* and narcolepsy
If you do not fall within one of these main categories, it is still important not to place yourself in a situation that involves driving when you are tired.
Combating Sleepiness When Driving
Good ways to avoid sleepiness while driving are to:
Get plenty of sleep prior to a long trip.
Pull off the road for physical activity, caffeine, or a short nap (25 minutes).
Travel with another person and take turns driving.
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Avoid taking over-the-counter drugs such as allergy pills, cold medications, pain pills, and muscle relaxants.
Avoid driving after taking prescription drugs.
These can cause sleepiness.
I have to say the phone in the car is one of my biggest distractions that and falling asleep at the wheel, which normally happens when traffic is very slow moving, I have tried all of the tips mentions below and more but hope some of these tip might help anyone that suffers from sleep while driving on the roads.
Fuel Watch
Prices for Diesel at Tinney’s Letterkenny this week 100.9 cents
Our Fuel watch best prices comes for Tinney’s at Bonagee. This week, both their petrol at 117.9 and their diesel selling at 100.9, are the best of both prices in the Letterkenny area. With the price of fuel starting to creep up again this is a very competitive price we will keep you posted.
And finally…“Hughie Bill” is on the road for 41 years!
Hughie McDaid pictured in a familiar setting delivering Gallagher bread to the shop around Letterkenny now celebrating over 4o year in business. Photo Brian Mc Daid
Hughie McDaid (locally known as Hughie Bill) will be 41 years on the road selling bread this year. Talking to Hughie this week he was just chatting about the change the bread industry.
When he started selling bread for Larkins Bakery back in 1975 there was three big bakeries in the Letterkenny, O Donnell’s which was originally on Lr. Main St. in Letterkenny, and The Model Bakery which was belonged to Chas Kelly Mills Group, and Larkins Bakery also at Lr. Main St.
Hughie worked in Dillion’s Supermarket before he decided to go into business himself, and headed west of Letterkenny to sell Larkin’s Bread in the Glenties and Ardara area. At the same time in Ardara The late Frank Gallagher had his Bakery up and running just off the Main St in Ardara, Frank asked Hughie would he consider selling some of his bread in Letterkenny as he was selling Letterkenny Bread in Ardara,
For the Glenswilly man it was the start of life long commitment to selling bread for Ardara Bakery. Gallagher Bread went from strength to strength in Donegal and especially in Letterkenny, At the start Hughie made the trip over Meenaroy every day for a fresh load of Gallagher’s Bread. it wasn’t long before the Gallagher’s had a bigger delivery truck on the road to deliver to Hughie and other bread agent throughout Co. Donegal , Hughie’s brother Dan joint the team and now Dan looks after the house calls side of the bread run, while Hughie looks after the commercial sales in Letterkenny, to local shops and restaurants etc Hughie is and always was a great ambassador for the Ardara Bakery, The late Frank Gallagher gave me a great start in life and helped me to get my business up and running, I am very happy to promote a Donegal business in the Letterkenny area for the last 41 year and will do for years to come.
Letterkenny Bakeries had great bread men that delivered the daily crust all over Co Donegal over the years in all sorts of weather, men like Joe Carroll, Joe Doherty, Jackie Hoston , and all of the Bradley’s to name but a few. Sadly the bakeries mention from Letterkenny have all closed down in a very competitive market place , but it still good the see a Donegal company like Gallagher Bread still going strong.
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