Why not get rid of speed restrictions on motorways where fast driving is safe and sensible. In the meantime, speed limits on other roadways should be evaluated and the most dangerous stretches should be monitored by visible police officers. It is clear that the camera enforcement is not haveing the intended effect on traffic safety.
It is time to restore sanity, not imposing more regulations on the average driver.
Speed cameras work as they should when fitted with film. I wouldn't mind one located in my front garden to slice 40 kph off the speed of people running well in excess of the 50 kph limit just outside my front door. I'd pay to have it installed.
I think you're onto something here and it's something which eludes the majority of those calling for a stop to the "carnage" on the roads including Ray D'Arcy. These road deaths are not the governments responsibility and they are not going to be reduced by adopting that stance. The people responsible for road deaths are those who are driving dangerously. That's it. The idea that more information, more education is going to make a difference is laughable. Everyone knows the risks, the bottom line is that they are prepared to take those risks which is what many young people do. At least Cllr Blake is on the right track when he notes that it's the responsibility of young people themselves.
One distinction I wish people would make is between deaths of those in the dangerously-driven car and the deaths of other parties, pedestrians or non-dangerously-driven cars. My guess is that the majority of the "carnage" belongs in the first category, but it's primarily the second category that we should be worried about. Young people are attracted to plenty of dangerous pursuits and so long as they are aware of the risks and there is no harm done to third parties, they should generally be allowed to. The emphasis ought to be on preventing that harm to third parties. Most of the measures proposed would seem to do little on that score but instead introduce a whole new raft of restrictions onto drivers who aren't likely to be involved in fatal accidents.
If it were true that young people genuinely didn't understand the risks involved in driving at speed on narrow country lanes while probably under the influence of alcohol, I'd join the chorus of "something must be done" and support yet more information campaigns. My worry is that they understand the risks all too well and carry on regardless in which case it's a waste of time, and perhaps counterproductive in that it leads us away from addressing the issue of harm to others.
Hi Gerry,
I'm working on a 1 hour special on road accidents for RTE's Newsroom. The programme is going out at 6.30 pm on Friday, 5th. Jan. Bryan Dobson is presenting the programme and Charlie Bird is presenting from the Nat. Rehab. Host. in Dun Laoghaire.
I've noticed your website. Please contact me.
087-9816261
Thanks,
Mairead de Buitleir
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