Making our roads safer - New system just part of the answer

THE far-too-frequent road tragedies involving young people made it inevitable that the measures announced by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) yesterday would include stiffer sanctions than those imposed heretofore.

The vast majority of learner drivers who behave responsibly, especially in regard to drinking and driving or speeding, may resent the changes but they seem unavoidable. As in virtually every aspect of Irish life the great majority who behave properly and accept their responsibilities must endure the consequences of the recklessness of a dangerous minority.

The system incorporates a new way of assessing learner drivers, but it will not be in place for at least a year, maybe two.