A SUDDEN SPIKE in the number of road deaths and serious injuries involving young people suggests, at first glance, that the road safety situation has dramatically deteriorated. That is not the case. The truth is that there have been 21 fewer deaths so far this year, compared to 2009 when the lowest number of road fatalities was recorded.
So, what is happening? Mature motorists appear to have responded positively to road safety campaigns concerning the wearing of seat belts, speeding and drink driving, while many learner and novice drivers have not. Early morning road crashes in recent weeks have claimed the lives of 13 young people, while eight others have ended up in hospital. This situation has encouraged the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to bring forward proposals designed to counter foolish and irresponsible behaviour by young and inexperienced drivers.
Following consultation with Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey, details of these measures will be unveiled by the RSA tomorrow. A significant change will involve the introduction of compulsory driving lessons with an approved instructor before a young person becomes eligible to sit a test. In some instances, legislation will be required to introduce special penalties for speeding, seat belt and dangerous driving where learner and inexperienced motorists are concerned. Judges will be empowered to impose restrictions on repeat offenders that could, in some cases, limit their use of a car to driving lessons.
Other measures affecting all road users are due to take effect before the end of the year. A privatised speed camera system, based on a list of speed enforcement zones, is scheduled to become operational across the country. This long-promised system will focus on roads with a history of collisions, where speeding has been a contributory factor. These cameras will supplement Garda speed checks. A combination of automatic number plate-reading technology and the introduction of electronic chip-based driving licences will help with the enforcement of sanctions.
RSA chief executive Noel Brett has appealed to parents to become more involved in the process of supervising their children when they have charge of a car. He says they should find out where they are driving, with whom and when. That advice should not be necessary, especially when you consider the potential outcome of dangerous, careless or show off behaviour behind the wheel. Young people think they are immortal and that death only comes to other people. Parents have a responsibility to dissuade them of that view.
Progress is being made in reducing the number of traffic deaths and serious injuries. Part of the reason has been the construction of better roads. Enforcement measures by the Garda Síochána, along with safety campaigns by the RSA and legislative action by the Minister has also helped. Secondary roads and inexperienced young drivers can represent a lethal mix. Speed cameras at crash black spots and stricter enforcement can prevent pain and suffering for many families.