Lack of regular driving tests ‘puts pedestrians’ lives at risk’

THE lives of pedestrians are being put at risk because of a lack of regular driving tests and unregulated driving instructors, a doctor warned yesterday.

Dr Alan Moran from Drogheda said patients of his will not walk or do any form of exercise on the roads because of fears they might be knocked down by speeding and careless drivers.

“I am forever asking patients to take more exercise, which to many will mean walking or cycling. However, a large number of people will not do so, having had the daylights frightened out of them on many occasions by near misses from inconsiderate drivers,” he said.

“Not alone do we need to get the 360,000 provisional licence drivers trained and competent, we need to test and re-test all drivers.

“It is also a fact that our driving instructors are not regulated by law. Why are we the only European country not to do so? Competence assurance is on the way for doctors, why not for drivers and instructors?,” Dr Moran, an ardent road safety campaigner, said in an interview with the Irish Medical News.

National Safety Council (NSC) spokesman Brian Farrell said road deaths have increased significantly in the last five years.

“In 1997, there were 472 people killed on the roads, and in 2002, this had dropped to 377. This is a considerable downward trend especially if you take into account that vehicle numbers have increased by 300,000 over the same period.

“Added to this is the dramatic increase in the number of people wearing seat belts, and the reduction in speed which penalty points has brought. As soon as the summer, the gardaí will have even greater powers to combat drink driving,” Mr Farrell added.

While legally, driving instructors do not have to be trained and certified, a very good voluntary system is in place, according to the NSC spokesman.

“Most instructors would receive accreditation from the Irish School of Motoring, and this in itself is a mark of quality. We are confident, however, that the Road Safety Strategy 2003 to 2005 will address this issue,” he said.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Transport said they are currently working on proposals to regulate the governance of driving instructors.