Kells-based taxi driver killed in M3 tragedy

An early morning collision between a van and a pedestrian on the M3 motorway in foggy conditions yesterday (Tuesday) morning claimed the life of a Kells taxi driver who had been on his way home from working in Dublin. It is understood that Robert Carthy (42) of The Glebe, Kells, had left his car, which had broken down on the side of the northbound lane, between Rath Lugh and Lismullin, and had made a call to the M3 maintenance company via the SOS phone on the side of the motorway. Mr Carthy is understood to have been walking along the motorway after making this call when he was struck by a van travelling northwards towards Cavan in the dreadful foggy conditions that prevailed yesterday morning. He was struck close to the exit ramp for Skryne near the Blundelstown interchange. The accident happened around 6.10am. It is understood that the deceased man, who was a native of Dublin and lived with his partner in Kells, was returning home from a shift working in Dublin when he may have experienced mechanical difficulties with his car. He is thought to have made contact with the M3 operators via the emergency phone on the side of the motorway just before he was struck. His car remained on the side of the motorway yesterday (Tuesday) as a Garda forensic team examined the scene of the collision. The northbound lane of the motorway was closed from Dunshaughlin to Blundelstown until lunchtime as the forensic collision investigators worked at the scene. Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to the accident and are asking anyone who may have information to contact Navan Garda Station on (046) 907 9930, or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111. This, the first fatality on the M3 motorway, comes as the Road Safety Authority (RSA) announceed details of Irish Road Safety Week, from Monday 11th October to Sunday 17th October. Some 30 pedestrians have been killed on Irish roads already this year, an increase on 28 in 2009. Up until 8th October, RSA figures show that 160 people have lost their lives on Irish roads so far this year, a reduction of 24 on the same period last year. Of the lives lost, almost half (44 per cent) were drivers which is a decrease of nine per cent on last year’s figures. However, the number of passengers killed on Irish roads this year is 42 which represents an increase of 17 in the same period last year. Road safety activities are planned across the country throughout the week, beginning on Monday 11th October with the RSA’s Annual Lecture on Road Safety in Dublin Castle. This year’s lecture is themed 'Drugs and Driving’, will look at the role that drugs play in deaths and serious injuries on our roads. 'European Night Without Accident’ will take place in a number of counties, including Meath, on Saturday 16th October. This will be the fourth year that Ireland will participate in this initiative which is happening in 27 European countries in 2010. The initiative is run by young adult volunteers who encourage groups of youngsters entering night-clubs to identify a 'designated driver’ for the night.