Provisional drivers should be accompanied

LIKE innumerable other parents, I am appalled by the recent spate of carnage on Ireland’s roads.

Every weekend, thousands of young people leave their homes excited about going out for the night.

At the same time, thousands of parents silently pray for the safe return of their children. Lately, many have not returned.

I believe the cause is a combination of things: cars too powerful for the age group, speed, alcohol, not enough garda presence, and inexperience. Combine this with the jacket of invincibility many young men (and some women) zip up as they plonk into the driver’s seat, and you have a deadly cocktail.

My 22-year-old son has been driving here in Seattle since he was 17. At 16, he started drivers’ education in school. He got his provisional licence when he was 17 but, under US law, he could not drive the car without another experienced driver being in the car with him, until he got his full licence at 18.

By that time, he had been driving for approximately two years under supervision. He is now an excellent and responsible driver, but I still feel a deep, silent gratitude when I know he is back home after being out.

Gaye Walsh

827 NE 100th

Seattle, WA 98125

United States