Is it my imagination or is it a fact that many of the road markings around the country have gone to the dogs? I’m not just talking about the white line down the middle of the road but also the edge markings, junction markings and the cat’s eyes. The latter, in particular, appear to have totally lost their sparkle.

There’s no doubt that the level of traffic has increased on N and R roads and, because of this constant oncoming traffic, you are driving on dims most of the time. But whatever about headlights, it’s near impossible to see the road markings with dims.

I use the N69 from Limerick to Listowel a lot and there are whole sections of it where the margin markings have disappeared under a sheet of mud and weeds. For a time, we had these great luminous green and white junction markers, but many of them have been either damaged or stolen and haven’t been replaced. And don’t get me started on the disappearance of many of the luminous flashes on the concrete motorway dividers.

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A recent EU report on road surfaces would appear to bear out my experience. It singles out Italy, Slovenia, Spain and Ireland as having seriously reduced the money invested in road maintenance between 2008 and 2011. Not surprising, given austerity and all that goes with it.

However, for the second year in a row, we are seeing an increased number of deaths on our roads. Could poor road markings be part of the problem? I certainly think so. There’s no doubt that reliable traffic signage, clear road markings and good lighting help improve safety on dangerous sections of road – or any section of road, for that matter. I’d be interested in hearing your views.

Still on the subject of roads, I’ve taken to walking them again in an effort to shift the pounds put on over Christmas. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s possible to shift weight coming up to Christmas, even if it’s for a family wedding.

I was doing a bit of walking around the roads at home in November and I don’t remember noticing any rubbish, but in the intervening six weeks the ditches have been destroyed. It’s mostly fast food wrappings, crisp packets, empty water and drink bottles and that kind of thing.

I know the grass will grow and hide it for the summer, but much of this stuff is not biodegradable and will be there again to blight the countryside next winter. Next time I’m out for a walk, I’ll bring a rubbish bag and tidy up our own road frontage. Whether that will encourage more or less rubbish I will let you know.

Meanwhile, for those of you waiting with bated breath for news of our Christmas general knowledge and sports quizzes, we will have all the answers and winners in next week’s issue.

At this time of year, you probably wish I’d stop talking about snowdrops but, remember, there’s still time to visit Altamont Gardens in Carlow, while down in Shinrone, Angela Jupe is running a full day devoted to the these brave little bulbs this Saturday.

Finally, tickets are now available for our Irish Country Sound Music Awards which take place on 9 March.