There has been a series of incidents recently here in the Emerald Isle.

I refer to some car crashes where young people have been killed.

This of course is headline stuff that can keep the meeja in a frenzy for each incident.  First there is the breaking news.  Then we have the “Community In Shock” piece for a couple of days.  There’s probably a vigil or two and then of course there’s the funeral, or funerals.  Sad stuff but the meeja just loves it.

All this of course has led to the usual spouting of statistics about road deaths and how we must all slow down and stop crashing our cars.  I think the fatality figure is around 130 so far this year which, while tragic for the families involved is remarkably low considering the general shite standard of driving here.

What I find strange though is the obsession with road deaths.  Why road deaths and not any other deaths?

Maybe they should concentrate on our health service.  Last year alone they apparently managed to kill off 556 victims which makes road deaths pale by comparison.

These include falls, attacks on patients or staff, problems with medication, treating the wrong limb, or reactions to medical devices, among other issues.

“Other issues” also apparently includes operating on the wrong patient by accident.  Nice.  I go in with an ingrown toenail and end up getting a hysterectomy?  I break a broken bone in my wrist and they amputate a leg?

If I fall ill or have an accident, the last place I want to end up is in hospital.

They are fucking dangerous places.