Sir, - Vincent Browne's trenchant critique of the culture of complacency and carelessness regarding road safety (Opinion, September 23rd) deserves serious attention, and not before time. With one in three motorists speeding, can anyone doubt there is a problem?
We now have a national strategy document; this is not the same as having a national strategy. There can be no question of waiting to see what, if anything, will be implemented. Action must, and can, be taken now. For a start, the existing laws must be enforced. When the law is properly enforced it can have dramatic and positive results. Car clamping in Dublin reduced illegal parking from 50 per cent to less than 5 per cent overnight. Enforce current law and road users are more likely to respect it; future legislation will then have a much greater chance of success.
Driver education has to be a major component of a national strategy. Ireland has the lowest driver education requirements of any of the developed countries of the European Union. Perhaps this helps to explain why one in four drivers drives on a provisional licence, and why it is possible to drive indefinitely on such a licence with no requirement for any formal or organised instruction. We tolerate what should be unacceptable levels of death and injury on our roads. We can bring an end to that now. We have a common responsibility to do so, and we should match that with determination.
The Irish Driving Instructors Association is committed to insuring that future drivers receive the best education to the highest standards. We are developing a charter for better and safer drivers as our contribution to the National Strategy on Road Safety. It is a contribution that is obviously needed. Driver education is not an optional extra; it is a central part of road safety.
Your columnist is perhaps too harsh. We would not share in his condemnation of perceived political inaction. The Government has indicated a willingness to take action. We are prepared to show at least the same commitment. - Yours, etc., Catherine Bacon,
Secretary, Irish Driving Instructors Association, Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7.