Letters

Safety on the roads

Questions and answers

Sat Nov 18 2023 - 00:05

Sir, – Following the recent meeting of the Ministerial Road Safety Committee (News, November 16th), I would suggest that consideration be given to the introduction of road simulators, the equivalent of flight simulators for trainee pilots, as part of the driving test. Current testing is limited to a theory exam and a short practical test, usually carried out in an urban or suburban setting. The addition of a simulator test to see how the candidate deals with, and reacts to, a range of different situations, such as motorways, narrow country lanes, overtaking at speed, etc, could save many lives. The simulator would also show the often-fatal consequences of actions taken on-screen by the candidate, which they may feel could never happen to them. The system would be expensive but, with the current toll of deaths and life-changing accidents on our roads, it would be worth it. – Yours, etc,

SWITHUN GOODBODY,

Cappaghglass,

Co Cork.

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Sir, – I welcome the news of Ministers meeting to discuss road safety in Ireland but am surprised no one is speaking of the delay of six to 12 months in accessing a driving test.

I wonder how many unqualified drivers we have on our roads as a result of this delay? – Yours, etc,

Cllr LETTIE McCARTHY,

(Labour),

Dún Laoghaire

Rathdown County Council,

Dún Laoghaire,

Co Dublin.

Sir, – Further to recent correspondence on road safety, can I reassure drivers that it’s not a criminal offence to use your car indicator at least 50 metres before turning. And since roundabouts are ubiquitous in Ireland – where one gives way to a vehicle approaching from your right – it would greatly speed up egress and exit if motorists actually indicated their intentions at any stage during the manoeuvre. The downside of course is that they would have to look up from their phones, stop texting and free a hand to operate the indicator. – Yours, etc,

TOMÁS FINN,

Cappataggle,

Ballinasloe,

Co Galway.