A Mayo Coroner suggested yesterday that all drivers should carry high visiblity vests in their vehicles at night-time, in case of breakdown.

The Coroner for South Mayo John O'Dwyer made the proposal at an inquest in Castlebar into the death of  90-year-old Patrick O'Haire, who was killed instantly when hit by a lorry on the N5 national primary route between Castlebar and Westport after he had abandoned his car when it broke down.

Mr. O'Haire, a widower who lived at Newport Road, Castlebar, died instantly when struck by an articulated lorry around 9.30 p.m. at Islandeady, Castlebar, on the night of September 28 last.

After an inquest jury had returned a verdict of accidental death, the Coroner Mr. O'Dwyer remarked he had heard Mr. Noel Brett, CEO of the Road Safety Authority, say recently that one million high visibility vests would be distributed nationally to road users.

Mr. O'Dwyer said there might be merit in having the high-visibility vests issued to all drivers in case of breakdown.