Seven deaths on Westmeath roads in 2010

Seven people lost their lives on Westmeath's roads in 2010 - four more than died in road accidents here in 2009.This is in juxtaposition with a fall in road deaths nationally, where number of deaths on Irish roads dropped by 26 people in 2010, compared with 238 people in 2009.The locations where fatalities occurred were Irishtown, Athlone (2), Cloughan, Delvin (2), and in Moate. Gardaí in Westmeath arrested 22 drunk drivers during the month of December, with eight of those caught in the Mullingar area.Speaking this week to Sgt. Pat Gallagher of Mullingar Garda Station, who, while not commenting on any individual incident, asked that motorists take into consideration a number of factors while driving: “In my own person opinion driver awareness is extremely important. The driver of a vehicle needs to be mindful of other road users, they need to be alert and observant of road conditions and of their own vehicle,” said Sgt. Gallagher.FOR MORE SEE 15/11 edition