Driver fatigue and road deaths

Madam, - I note that Ivor Callely, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, is concerned that driver fatigue is not …

Madam, - I note that Ivor Callely, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, is concerned that driver fatigue is not sufficiently recognised as a factor in road accidents (The Irish Times, December 21st).

Mr Callely is aware from his contacts with gardaí that fatigue plays a fundamental role in a number of accidents and goes on to exhort motorists to become more aware of the danger. In this he is strongly supported by a Garda spokesman, Inspector Ray McHugh, who urges tired motorists to exercise common sense by pulling over and taking a break instead of trying to continue driving.

In the light of the foregoing, can anyone explain to me why it is almost impossible to find a properly signposted and properly designated lay-by on our roads? Surely the provision of proper lay-bys at reasonably frequent intervals would encourage tired motorists to rest and thereby contribute to road safety. - Yours, etc.,

M.D. KENNEDY,

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Silchester Park,

Glenageary,

Co Dublin.