Madam, - Your edition of July 17th quotes Taoiseach Bertie Ahern as saying: "The people who can do something about it, to be frank with you, are the people who are driving cars every day."
Surely the people who can do something about it are the members of the Government. Responsibility for road safety is their job. It is and always was.
Government will, or lack of it, on road safety can be judged by its policy towards provisional drivers. Anyone over 17, who may never have driven on the road and does not even have to show that he or she is competent to drive, can get a provisional licence and immediately drive without supervision.
Experience in other countries has shown that road carnage will not reduce until the Government and makes it a priority. This Government appears to be unaware of its responsibility in this area. "A lot dead, more to die" is not too far wrong.
KEVIN TREACY,
New Ross,
Co Wexford.
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Madam, - Bertie Ahern expresses the hope that the recent spate of road accidents will touch "the psyche of the community." I find the implication of this statement quite worrying. The Taoiseach seems to be suggesting that the emotional reaction to these horrific accidents will somehow deter others from driving recklessly.
I disagree. One need only consider the vast sums that have been poured into making advertisements depicting the awful aftermath of road crashes. I doubt that these had the least effect in convincing rogue drivers to slow down and obey the rules of the road.
Ultimately, the only way to combat the soaring rate of road crashes is to ensure proper enforcement of the law. A fully resourced and specific Garda division is essential. And, considering the numerous loopholes by which drunk drivers evade prosecution, the law needs to be amended. Those driving without tax or insurance should have their licence revoked for at least five years.
Something needs to be done - urgently! - to save lives. Sympathising with the community is one thing, but taking decisive, meangingful action is another. - Yours, etc,
PATRICK REILLY,
Magdalene Terrace,
Drogheda,
Co Louth.