Reduce speed and drink limits and apply the law

THE main causes of accidents on our roads are threefold:

1. Speed.

2. Giving road access to unqualified drivers and teenagers who have passed a mere theory test.

3. Drink driving.

Most accidents occur on secondary roads where the speed limit, farcically, is almost the same as for motorways. This should be changed immediately.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey says he is waiting for experts to advise him.

Mr Dempsey could buy a pair of mittens if he wants to keep his hands warm besides sitting on them.

To allow thousands of unqualified drivers and 17-year-olds who passed a meaningless theory test unlimited access to already overcrowded roads is sheer madness, particularly with speed limits differing so little between motorways and secondary roads.

After the Second World War the motor industry produced much more powerful cars and advertised how they could reach 60mph in so many seconds. They still advertise car performance in terms of speed capability. The prospect of anybody who has taken either drugs or alcohol driving on roads which are already choc-a-bloc in powerful vehicles is simply unacceptable. The blood/alcohol limit at the moment is 80mg/100ml. It is the same in Britain, but in the rest of Europe it is 50mg. Why the difference?

It is surely time to consider making it illegal to drink and drive. Most motorists would welcome it. The rest of Europe would probably follow as they followed our smoking ban.

There is no reason why the roads of Ireland can’t become the safest in the world. No amount of appeals from the Road Safety Authority or anybody else will make an iota of difference.

The only way this whole matter can be resolved is to introduce legislation that is relevant to the situation on our roads and have it enforced by the gardaí. Nothing short of this will work.

Micheál Ó Nualláin

Belgrave Square

Monkstown

Co Dublin