Madam, - The manner in which the Government has squandered the economic prosperity of the past decade is a source of increasing frustration and anger. A health service floundering in a morass of administrative overkill and ineptitude, a public transport system that defies logic, inadequate drug rehabilitation services, the ostrich-like approach to environmental issues such as incineration and the use of nuclear power are just some examples.
To date I have confined the expression of my outrage to family and friends. However, I can no longer endure the distress of the carnage on our roads or the frustration of hearing those responsible for the safety of road-users running for cover. Of course it is a complex problem caused by many factors, but surely the Government must see that until there is strict and visible enforcement of the law we will continue to endure this litany of devastation.
I have washed my hands of the Ministers for Transport and the Environment, but in spite of his difficulties I still have a small shred of confidence that the Minister for Justice has the courage to ensure that enough gardaí are made available to provide a visible presence on roads throughout the State. This is not the whole answer, but I am convinced that it is the necessary start.
Through the medium of your paper I appeal to the Minister to justify that fragile confidence and just do it. - Yours, etc,
MARIANNE HOGAN, Pacelli Road, Naas, Co Kildare.
Madam, - Gay Byrne of the Road Safety Authority says he does not know what more can be done to stop the high level of road deaths. Might I suggest overhauling driver education to impress upon first-time drivers the importance of safety? Young people are educated in school so they are able to live independent lives. It follows that young drivers need to be taught how to drive properly and safely so they may drive independently.
It might prove more productive than the tried and tested "horror ads" Mr Byrne rightly describes as "not getting the message across". - Is mise,
IAN M. O'MARA, Berkeley, California, USA.
Madam, - Your report on the 23 per cent increase in drink-driving detections comes as no surprise (The Irish Times, July 12th). The increased Garda activity is welcome, but television publicity such as the "Just One" campaign cannot compete with the non-stop promotion of alcohol by expensive advertisement campaigns across all media and the sponsorship of major sporting and cultural events.
The statistics show clearly that we drink too much in this country. The more a population drinks the more alcohol-related harm it will suffer. The carnage on our roads every week and the high level of suicide are just two symptoms of our serious problem with alcohol.
Television campaigns alone will not reduce road deaths. What is needed is the full implementation of the recommendations of the national task force on alcohol. Unfortunately the Government favours the alcohol industry's solutions to the problem - the same industry whose goal it is to make money for its shareholders by selling more alcohol! As long as that is the case the the alcohol-related tragedies on and off the roads will continue. - Yours, etc,
Dr DECLAN BEDFORD, Gainstown, Navan, Co Meath.
Madam, - It is illegal to drive faster than 120 kmh in Ireland, so why is it legal to sell cars that are designed to exceed this limit? Cars should be fitted with speed limiters or with digital tachometers to record speeds and reveal transgressions at NCT-time.
The age and sex profile of drivers involved in the majority of accidents is fairly uniform. Why not select a high-profile role model from sport or pop culture to deliver key messages? With all due respect, I doubt if many 25-year- olds are avid fans of Gay Byrne. These messages also need to be spread to foreign nationals in their own language.
Intensive Garda activity or visibility during weekdays before dusk is of limited use. Most serious road accidents happen after dusk and at weekends. They also occur in rural areas where there are no public transport options.
Finally, serious thought needs to be given to strategies to reduce driving under the influence of drink or drugs. - Yours, etc,
PATRICK CORLEY, Wilfrid Road, Dublin 6.