Madam, - The Garda announcement of a crackdown on drunken driving during the bank holiday weekend is welcome, but it must be placed within the bigger picture - the shocking recent statistics revealing a dramatic fall in convictions (The Irish Times, May 31st).
The carnage on our roads shows that we are nowhere near "zero tolerance". While the Irish public must accept some responsibility by trivialising excessive drinking - "sinking" pints is treated as heroic stuff - there is a serious defect in the process which should lead to prosecution. It is hard to believe that just over one quarter of those apprehended - 27 per cent - are actually convicted. What causes this unacceptable situation; is it inadequate legislation, judicial leniency, outdated equipment or public indifference?
Until those who insist on sitting in bars, drinking over the limit, then defiantly getting behind the wheel of their cars are put behind bars, nothing will change.
It is time to get tough, both from the top down and from the bottom up.- Yours, etc,
ROBERT DUNLOP, Brannockstown, Co Kildare.