Sir, - The rules of the road are not being obeyed in Ireland. Tragically, the law of the jungle applies. People are being killed, families are grieving. When will it end? The Government is indifferent to the application of law and order on the roads; so is the opposition.
The Garda tell us it is intent on punishing individuals who disobey the rules of the road. Why, then, do I see, every day of the week, drivers using mobile phones while in charge of their motor vehicles? I have seen politicians, legal eagles and off-duty garda∅, among thousands of others, using mobile phones while driving.
I know that no part of the driving test involves carrying out a brief check on our ability to handle a mobile phone, concentrate on a conversation and drive normally at the same time.
People doing their tests would not turn up under the influence of drink and would not break the speed limit while being tested. However, I would not be surprised if they brought their phones with them, in case they missed that all-important call.
Nobody seems to give a damn. Politicians, as usual, take the easy option and pass the buck, while garda∅ do nothing about the illegal use of the mobile phones. When is a chief superintendent going to say publicly that using a phone while driving is not allowed, is against the law? When is a chief superintendent going to say: I have issued instructions to all of our garda∅ to implement the rules of the road, as far as the use of mobile phones is concerned?
If we take no notice of one part of the law, why should anybody believe due attention will be given to speeding, driving under the influence of drink, and dangerous driving? How many more funerals are needed before somebody, somewhere has the courage to take action? - Yours, etc.,
Tom O'Grady, Marley Rise, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16,