Drivers dropping standards ahead of Christmas

The standard of driving and the amount of attention given to it as the Christmas rush begins is deteriorating rapidly. Drivers are becoming sluggish and slow and very unpredictable.

They have myriad things on their mind other than driving safely. People should use a note pad and make a list of all the things they want to get and not be having conversations with themselves as they drive about their day ahead at the shops.

Then we have the turtle squad who cripple traffic at Christmas time. They should be issued tickets for obstructive driving and choking traffic because of their style of driving. These people have to be alerted by other drivers that the lights have changed to green, but by the time they get going they are back on red. It is true there are light sequencing problems that cause delays, but these guys take the biscuit and are at sea when driving.

It is also clear that the off-licences are stocking up with massive amounts of alcohol and it is a certain bet that gardaí will come back when Christmas is over and give high statistics for intoxicated drivers who should be nowhere near a vehicle.

There is also the issue of tiredness after the shopping and the heavy bags are carried back to the car, on top of screaming kids who demand attention from the driver. The Christmas cheer should not make driving less serious, because if it is not taken seriously. It will end in disaster and the massive legal hassles that come with it!

Maurice Fitzgerald

Shanbally

Co Cork