How can you retrain ‘kamikaze’ drivers?

WHO do Transport Minister Noel Dempsey and the RSA think they can kid by claiming compulsory driving lessons would have prevented the Donegal crash which killed eight people?

Dangerous driving is deliberate in most cases and not due to lack of training, experience or skill. And how do they figure it will make any difference when nearly all drivers already hold a full licence?

Obviously professional lessons are a good idea, but it is outrageous to force learners to take a minimum number. Why should they lash out €700 when friends and parents will do it for nothing as part of regular trips? Training could also be provided by interactive PC programs.

Even loonier is the proposal to make the instructor’s permission a condition of being allowed to take the test because it is open to abuse. Learners should be able to take the test (which they have to pay for) whenever they want.

I imagine this is a money-making scam dreamt up by driving instructors and the RSA who seek another diversionary tactic to avoid confronting the solution of proper law enforcement.

Most drivers took their tests long ago. They have developed bad habits and their knowledge of road traffic law is abysmal. All drivers should be re-tested every five or 10 years. Appeasing vested business interests is more important than the needs of the people.

Michael Job

Glengarriff

Co Cork