Real law enforcement needed to curb traffic deaths

REGARDING the 50% rise in road deaths so far this year, the RSA and the gardaí are quick to take credit for falls in traffic casualties, so shouldn’t they be accepting the blame for increases? To blame complacent parents is a calumny.

The RSA and gardaí have deliberately sabotaged enforcement of speed limits by divulging the locations of cameras. Real law enforcement is needed, which can only come from hidden cameras and garda presence. Urban 30kph speed limits could save lives, but the gardaí and RSA are opposed to this, and any other measures to make the roads safer which might inconvenience motorists.

I believe they are to blame for the increase in cyclist and pedestrian casualties.

According to RSA figures, motorists are responsible for 87% of pedestrian fatalities so they should be targeting motorists; not victims, yet we have remarks such as those by Assistant Commissioner John Twomey — “the only way to be seen by motorists was to wear reflective clothing” — this is obviously untrue; very few pedestrians do (it is not a legal requirement), yet they are still seen by motorists.

The new RSA/AA version of the rules of the road claims “pedestrians are extremely difficult to see”, and RSA advertising gives the impression that motorists are not responsible for hitting pedestrians who are not wearing reflective clothing. And lastly, the Irish courts treat causing death by dangerous driving as a trivial offence.

Michael Job

Glengarriff

Co Cork