THE accidental deaths recently of two young people in York is tragic and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to their families, but unfortunately when alcohol is involved, common sense goes out of the window.

It is not only young people who take risks and no matter how many signs, fences or whatever, people of all ages will still take short cuts across fields, beside rivers and down dark alleys without thinking of any possible consequences.

With the best will in the world it is impossible to protect people from themselves and education must be the answer.

When youngsters go out in a group let them look out for one another, get taxis home, (even if it means cutting down on the beer money) and stay together.

Accidents can happen any time but the risks could be minimised with a little care.

P Witlea, De Grey Place, Bishopthorpe, York