Random breath testing and a written test for provisional drivers are needed to reduce the number of deaths through accidents, says a new report. Every year, almost 1,500 people die as a result of accidents at home, on the road and elsewhere, and about 45,000 people are hospitalised.
The report, Injury in Ireland, was produced by a team led by sociologist Ms Elaine Scallan at University College Dublin.
It says men are more likely to die in accidents than women, particularly young men in road traffic accidents. From 1980 to 1996, 820 children under 15 died on the roads.
For older people, falls are the main cause of accidental death. "The National Road Safety Strategy requires to be thoroughly reviewed, given its poor impact in reducing the toll of injury and death on our roads," the report says. Driving restrictions should be tightened for provisional drivers and those who have failed driving tests, it says. The authors recommend that the maximum allowable blood alcohol levels for drivers should be reduced from 80mg per 100ml to 50mg. Random breath testing and a penalty points system be introduced urgently, and the gardai should get funding for these measures.
The report recommends that:
Swimming lessons should be part of the school curriculum.
First-time parents should be warned of the dangers of bathtubs for babies and toddlers.
Measures to prevent falls, such as grab rails in bathrooms, should be introduced in all nursing homes and in the home.
All poisonous materials, especially medicines, should come with child-resistant caps.
A national injury prevention authority should be set up.