Speed is a minor factor in crashes

IN his letter (February 15), Micheál Ó Nualláin tells us speed is one of the main causes of road accidents.

This is not true.

Analysis of traffic accidents published by the Road Safety Authority shows that excessive speed is a relatively minor cause of fatal accidents. Basic driving errors, such as being on the wrong side of the road are, in fact, a far more common cause.

These errors are compounded, but not caused, by speed. That our fastest roads — motorways and dual carriageways — are our safest further proves that speed does not cause accidents in isolation.

Mr Ó Nualláin also fulminates against drivers “who have passed a mere theory test”. I am not sure where he is getting this assumption from as data on licence status of drivers involved in collisions has not been published for years.

However, at least these drivers have passed some form of test in comparison with the thousands of elderly drivers who simply purchased their licences in the local post office and the many drivers who received a ‘lucky bag’ licence in the amnesty back in the 1970s.

Tackling deaths on our roads requires proper education of drivers and thorough enforcement of the law. Unfortunately, the powers-that-be prefer to give us empty soundbites instead.

Pat Casey

Chandlers Way

Cobh

Co Cork