News Page
31 October 2011
Driver shame as our scary habits revealed
Monday October 31 2011
A REVEALING, if frightening, insight into what we get up to behind the wheel is unveiled today.
It confirms many of the often bizarre activities we see in cars all around us every day -- such as eating (49pc of drivers), talking on the mobile phone (34pc), texting (19pc) and smoking (15pc).
But it also uncovers a more sinister element, and shows we are seriously breaching speed limits.
A majority of men, for example, admitted they had driven at a range of speeds between 140kmh to 200kmh.
The maximum motorway limit is 120kmh. Alarmingly, one in 10 of those surveyed said they had driven at more than 200kmh.
A similar proportion of drivers admitted to damaging someone else's car when parking but nearly one in five of these scampered without bothering to wait to confess to the 'injured' party.
The findings are part of a new Skoda Ireland Motoring Index. It also reveals the high opinion we have of ourselves, with two in five (40pc) convinced they are better drivers than their partners.
Men boast most in this category (49pc), with just 16pc of women making the assertion. Yet far more male drivers break the speed limit.
Nearly two-thirds (64pc), as opposed to 45pc of women, admitted to driving at speeds of 140kmh, 160kmh, 180kmh and 200kmh.
Significant differences emerge between the sexes. The survey found one in five (20pc) could not change a spare wheel, with 37pc of women and just 2pc of men admitting such a shortcoming.
One of the more offbeat findings was that almost one in four motorists (24pc) revealed they had spent a night in their car. No reasons were given.
There was a clear consensus, however, when it came to who irritated them most on the roads today.
The so-called 'boy racers' came in well ahead of everyone else, with 59pc of those surveyed pinpointing them as the bane of their motoring lives.
They were followed by 'Sunday drivers' (31pc) -- a term that is not explained -- and cyclists (9pc).
The latter came in for special criticism from younger drivers, with 23pc of those aged between 18 and 24 saying they disliked cyclists the most.
- Irish Independent
6 September 2011
Clarification of Legislation covering EDT
The following was received from Mr Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority (RSA) clarifying the legislation covering EDT
“Further to correspondence circulated to a number of ADI’s claiming that there is no legislation covering the ADI / EDT scheme, clarification has been received from the RSA CEO as follows:
There have been repeated e mails making a number of untrue allegations. The claims in relation to legislation are untrue and misleading.
The EDT Regulations are cited as the Road Traffic (Courses of Instruction) (Cars) Regulations 2011. They were signed into law by the Minister of Transport Mr. Leo Varadkar TD. on 1st April 2011 and came into effect on 4th April 2011.
The power for the Minister to make these regulations exists in section 18 of the Road Traffic Act 1968 (No. 25 of 1968) and the National Roads and Road Traffic (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 298 of 2002) (as adapted by the Public Enterprise (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 305 of 2002)
The RSA functions are provided for in the Road Safety Authority Act 2006”
20 July 2011
Request by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) regarding the use of Whiterock Heights, Wexford, for tuition purposes
Dear ADI
Please note that the Road Safety Authority has received a request from the owners of ‘Whiterock Heights’ in Wexford that the estate not be included in any driving test routes, as its inclusion is causing it to be used by driving instructors. They point out that the estate is private property and that further action will follow if its use continues.
Pending the outcome of a review of the test route concerned, the Whiterock Heights estate will not be used as part of any driving test route and we bring this matter to your attention to avoid any difficulties for ADI’s working in the area.
This problem can be exacerbated wherever over use of an area happens. It is one of the reasons we ask ADI’s not to use driving test routes for training purposes. Using test routes for routine training generally leads to frustration on the part of residents, who then complain that their road can be used up to 70 or 80 times a day, (when all driving tests and lessons are taken into account).
Varying the area for training purposes will not only make the lesson more practical for the learner but also reduce the frustration felt by local residents in an area.
John Paul Guiheen
ADI Unit – Road Safety Authority
11 July 2011
RSA Appeals to Motorists To Be Patient With Learner Drivers
Road Safety Authority - RSA
11 July 2011
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is today Monday 11th July 2011, appealing to drivers to be patient and considerate when they encounter learner drivers on Irish roads this summer. There are 248,739 learner permit holders for a car in Ireland (as of 31st May 2011) and many will use their summer holidays to learn how to drive.
Mr Noel Brett, Chief Executive of the RSA said: “It takes time and lots of practice with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and with an accompanying driver to become a skilled and experienced driver. Learning to drive can be very intimidating for novice drivers, especially when they encounter an impatient and aggressive driver. This can put not only the learner driver in danger, but other road users too. So, take a minute, remember how nervous you were when you learned to drive, and be patient with learner drivers on our roads this summer. Show good example through your own driving.”
The RSA is reminding learner drivers that they must have their learner ‘L’ plates clearly visible on the front and back of their vehicle so that they are clearly identifiable as a learner driver to other road-users. Learner drivers must also be accompanied by a fully licensed driver, who has held a licence for more than two years, any time they choose to practise their driving skills.
Cathy Bacon, Chairperson of the Irish Driving Instructors Association (IDIA) said, "Learning to drive and gaining road experience is a challenging task for the Learner and the Sponsor. Registered Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) can give advice on what to practice and how to choose appropriate areas to practice and develop the new skills safely. Experienced drivers can assist by being patient and giving extra time and space to Learners with an L Plate and so contribute to overall Road Safety".
Sean Collopy, an ADI Stakeholder Forum Representative from Limerick said, ‘If you are a driver and you encounter a learner driver out practicing you should allow extra distance between the learner driver and your vehicle. Do not sound the horn if the learner driver is taking more time to perform a manoeuvre. This could put the learner under unnecessary stress and possibly cause you further delay. Only overtake a learner driver when appropriate and it is safe to do so and always be patient with learner drivers and allow them the time and space they need to learn.”
Learner drivers are also reminded that since 4th April 2011 those applying for their first learner permit must complete a minimum of 12 hours of Essential Driver Training, with an RSA registered Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) before they can sit their driving test.
For further information on EDT and a full list of the 1,883 RSA registered ADIs, visit www.rsa.ie;
The Road Safety Authority is now live on Facebook and Twitter. Check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages at: Twitter : http://www.twitter.com /RSAIreland/Facebook : http://www.facebook.com /RSAIreland or visit www.rsa.ie for more information on road safety.
For further information, please contact:
RSA Communications Office: 096 25008
6 July 2011
Green-Light on Road Safety Legislation from European Parliament
European Transport Safety Council - Press Release
6 July 2011
06 July 2011, Brussels – “We congratulate MEPs for their vote on this long-awaited pieceof legislation,” said Antonio Avenoso, ETSC Executive Director1 after the results of the European Parliament vote on the Cross-Border Enforcement Directive were announced.“This Directive plugs an important gap in the enforcement of traffic laws across the EU. It also shows a good level of commitment to the target of halving road deaths for the 2011-2020 decade.”
The text approved today by the European Parliament is expected to be adopted during the next meeting of the EU Council of Ministers. “We are particularly happy with the outcome of the vote, and would like to thank the Belgian and Hungarian Presidencies of the EU fortheir political leadership. Member States must now transpose the provisions into their national legislation,” added Mr. Avenoso. Over the years, ETSC has strongly backed this
Directive that would result in higher levels of safety through enforcement. Traffic law enforcement is a means to improve road safety by preventing collisions as drivers are persuaded to comply with the safety rules.
The Directive would cover the main offences causing death and serious injury in the EU: speeding, drink driving, non use of seat belts. The list has been extended to cover two other important safety related offences: drug driving and mobile phone use whilst driving. Moreover, the issues dealt with by the Directive are an important concern for European citizens: a recent Eurobarometer survey showed that the majority of those polled favor action on drink driving, speeding and increased enforcement, including for non-residents.
“We hope that the newly formed Irish government will opt-in on the Directive. We also urge the UK government to acknowledge the importance of the Directive for law enforcement and thus opt-in as soon as possible.”Given that the legal basis of the Directive is the police cooperation chapter of the Lisbon Treaty, the new legislation would not be automatically applicable to Ireland and the United Kingdom.
16 May 2011
Car seizures soar as drivers fail to pay for tax, insurance or NCT
By Treacy Hogan Environment Correspondent
Monday May 16 2011
CASH-STRAPPED motorists are having their cars seized in unprecedented numbers because they are refusing to tax or insure them or apply for the NCT.
A total of 26,044 cars were seized by gardai at the roadside last year -- more than twice the amount in previous years.
Increasing numbers of motorists struggling to make ends meet are taking the chance that they will not be caught for tax, insurance or NCT offences.
But an Irish Independent investigation reveals their chances of being caught and having their cars confiscated are greater than ever, mainly due to stronger garda enforcement.
The number of motorists prosecuted for driving a car without a valid NCT has rocketed in just 14 months.
In February 2010, 198 drivers were convicted for using a vehicle without a test certificate. As of April 31, the figure had risen to 2,810. In the first three months of this year, 8,180 vehicles were taken off their owners at roadside checkpoints.
The dramatic increase is mainly due to far greater garda enforcement linked to the expansion of the dedicated Garda Traffic Corps.
And although the recession is now a significant factor in the rising level of confiscations, the current clampdown means offences under the Road Traffic Act will not be tolerated.
Chief Supt Gabriel McIntyre also confirmed the downturn in the economy was now a factor in the number of motorists delaying payment of motor tax or putting their cars through the NCT.
Road Safety Authority chief executive Noel Brett said the disclosure of so many extra cars being seized raised serious road safety issues.
"We are delighted with the high level of garda enforcement but it is very disappointing to see that 26,000 cars were seized last year. These are 26,000 cars that have no tax or no insurance and many of them would be unroadworthy."
COST
Uninsured drivers are costing honest drivers around ¿40 each every year as insurance companies pass the cost of paying out in crashes to law-abiding motorists.
Seized cars are kept by gardai for six weeks, during which time their owners can reclaim them providing they present evidence of having paid their tax, insurance or passed their NCT.
But owners have to pay a hefty price to get their cars back: €125 for the first 24 hours their car is in the pound, plus €35 a day after that. After six weeks, if the cars are not reclaimed, they are crushed and recycled.
Around a third of all vehicles are returned to their owners.
Irish Independent
6 May 2011
Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Skillnet
Seminars on funding available
ADI Skillnet
Are you an RSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)
or running a Driving School in the Republic of Ireland?
Do you want to receive up to
50% Funding
for Training Courses in
2011 and beyond
Become a member of the
Approved Driving
Instructor (ADI) Skillnet
Do you want to know more?
Then, come along to one of our Information Seminars
Bewley’s Hotel Newland’s Cross, Dublin 22 10th May 2011 6:30 pm
Maldron Hotel, Oranmore, Co. Galway 12th May 2011 6:30 pm
Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal 17th May 2011 6:30 pm
South Court Hotel, Raheen, Limerick 19th May 2011 6:30 pm
Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow 19th May 2011 6:30 pm
This is a seminar you don’t want to miss!!
Dear ADI,
I am writing to inform you that we are currently putting together a full application for the establishment of an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Skillnet.
If our application is successful, ADIs and employees of Driving Schools who are members of the ADI Skillnet will get access to funding for training activities conducted in 2011 and beyond. Available funding may be as high as 50% of the cost of training for certain training courses.
We will be running a number of FREE information seminars (approx. 1.5 hrs duration)explaining the ADI Skillnet in the following locations and dates. We would be delighted if someone from your organisation could attend.
Location Date Time
Bewley’s Hotel Newland’s Cross, Dublin 22 10th May 2011 6:30 pm
Maldron Hotel, Oranmore, Co. Galway 12th May 2011 6:30 pm
Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal 17th May 2011 6:30 pm
South Court Hotel, Raheen, Limerick 19th May 2011 6:30 pm
Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow 19th May 2011 6:30 pm
Note: No admission fee
To book a place on any of the above seminars, please call (074) 91 51212or email your details to brian@swillygroup.com.
Kind Regards,
Brian Sweeney
Network Facilitator May 2011
ADI Skillnet
c/o The Swilly Group
i:Tek Building
Business Park Road
Letterkenny
Co. Donegal
T: (074) 91 51212
Note: Skillnets is funded by the Irish Government from the National Training Fund. For more information go to www.skillnets.ie.
7 April 2011
Ireland introduces the essential driver training (EDT) programme
Road Safety Authority - Press Release
7 April 2011
07.04.2011. On Monday 4th April, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) introduced the new Essential Driver Training (EDT) programme, which requires learner drivers to take compulsory driving lessons for category B vehicles (cars and light vans).
EDT is one of a range of measures announced by the RSA last September as part of a new Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system which will enhance the way drivers are trained, tested and licensed in Ireland.
Any person getting their first learner permit with a start date on or after 4th April 2011 must complete a minimum 12 hours of Essential Driver Training, with an RSA registered Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) before they can sit their driving test. Typically the 12 EDT lessons will be spread over six months and be supported by practice and tuition as required.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Mr. Leo Varadkar welcomed the introduction of EDT saying "The introduction of Essential Driver Training (EDT) on Monday 4th April is probably the most significant development to the way we train our learner drivers since the introduction of the driving test in 1964. One of the key measures in the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012, to tackle death and injury on our roads, is the introduction of a Graduated Driving Licensing system and EDT forms a core part of this life saving initiative. The EDT programme is designed to protect inexperienced learner drivers while they are learning to drive and to support them as they develop the skills, confidence and appropriate behaviour to share the road safely with others."
Mr Noel Brett, CEO of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) said, "The programme consists of 12 one hour lessons that are linked to 12 specific ‘high risk’ road safety issues and will start the learner driver off on the road to becoming a better, safer driver. The 12 lessons on their own will not be sufficient to become a safe driver. Applying the feedback of your instructor, getting lots of practice, studying the recommended reading are all vital. Learners may also wish to discuss the need for additional driving lessons with their ADI – however this is something that should be agreed by both parties."
Cathy Bacon, Chairperson of the Irish Driving Instructors Association (IDIA) - welcomed the introduction of EDT, as it welcomes all programs intended to reduce death and injury on our roads. "The programme will need to be tried and tested and the IDIA are pleased that there is a commitment by the RSA to a review of it in 18 months time."
"Our highly trained and experienced members will fully contribute to the scheme in order to see that the important skills which are absolutely necessary for safe driving are passed to the learner driver. We will be working with our members to ensure a smooth introduction of EDT" she added.
In addition to the mandatory lessons with an ADI the learner driver should also undertake ongoing practice with their Sponsor*. This practice is a vital part of the learning process, and the role of the Sponsor is an essential part of the learning to drive process. Their role is to accompany and support the learner driver as they practise and build on the skills they have learned in their lessons with the ADI. Therefore it is essential that the learner driver chooses a person with whom they feel comfortable and who has had their full driver’s licence for a minimum of two years and has lots of driving experience. The RSA recommends that the learner driver practises the skills learned in each compulsory EDT lesson with their Sponsor for at least three hours before their next lesson.
Mr Brett advised learner drivers not to underestimate the role they play during the learning to drive process. "One of the most important decisions you will make as you consider learning to drive is who to choose as your Sponsor. This is a hugely important role and so it is vital that this is a person you feel comfortable with and who demonstrates safe driving behaviour that you can learn from. This might be a parent, uncle or sibling, but it must be someone who can make the commitment to contribute their time to helping you to become a safe and competent driver. EDT lessons on their own are not sufficient – it is your responsibility to continue to practise between lessons so that you can build on the skills you have learned with your ADI. This is a critical part of the learning to drive process and will help you to become a lifelong safe driver."
Mr Brett also highlighted the important role that parents and guardians have during EDT. "Some parents may have concerns about paying for EDT lessons or that they won’t have the time to support their young adult as they learn to drive. We recommend that lessons be taken over a six month period with one lesson at a similar cost to half a tank of petrol. In addition the insurance industry will be announcing a special offers and discounts for learner drivers taking EDT lessons. So my advice to parents is not to view this as a cost but an investment in your son or daughter’s safety on the roads."
Niall Doyle, Corporate Affairs Manager with the Irish Insurance Federation warmly welcomed the new initiative from the RSA. "Driving is an essential life skill in the 21st Century and it is very appropriate that our children and young adults receive appropriate driver training. It is also hugely beneficial that a significant part of this training will be under the guidance of a Sponsor (father or mother) who will have a significant vested interest in seeing this training is successful. This training (EDT) should reduce the number of collisions, injuries and fatalities on Irish roads and as a consequence help keep the cost of motor insurance down."
17-24 year olds are one of the highest risk groups on Irish roads and are three times more likely to be killed in a collision than the rest of the population. Furthermore, research shows that young drivers are most vulnerable in the six to twelve month period immediately after getting their licence.
For further information on EDT and a full list of the 1,883 RSA registered ADIs, visit www.rsa.ie;
The RSA has produced a range of literature for first time learner permit holders so they can learn more about EDT. An information booklet or flyer on EDT will shortly be available in Driver Theory Test Centres, Motor Tax Offices or local Garda stations and can also be downloaded from rsa.ie. An Information campaign to highlight the new change is also being run from today 31st March.
29 March 2011
New driving lessons 'unworkable'
By Eoin Burke-Kennedy
Monday March 28 2011
Driving instructors have claimed new regulations on mandatory lessons for learner drivers are confusing and possibly unworkable.
The way learner drivers are trained and tested is being overhauled by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in an effort to reduce the high number of fatal crashes involving younger drivers.
From April 4th, those applying for their first driving licence will be required to complete 12 hours of tuition with an approved driving instructor before they can sit the test.
Under the new rules, a driver will receive a logbook when they sign up for lessons. The instructor will be required to sign the logbook to confirm the student has completed each lesson.
The RSA says learner drivers must successfully complete the 12 hours of driver training over a six month period with an average of one lesson every two weeks before they can sit the test. In order to get the maximum benefit from the lessons, the RSA recommends learners complete at least three hours of practice with a fully-qualified sponsor in between lessons.
However, the Irish Driving Instructors Association (IDIA) said today the time allocated to cover the RSA’s driver training syllabus was “completely inadequate”.
“Training has always been tailored to individual drivers with people progressing at different rates. The new mandatory lessons provide no flexibility for this,” said IDIA chairperson Cathy Bacon.
Ms Bacon said that while RSA’s syllabus was “very good” it would take up to 75 hours to complete all stages, including the recommended sponsor-supervised practice between lessons.
“The fact that learners don’t have to achieve any of the steps under the new rules, and only have to present themselves for the lessons, may risk giving drivers a false sense of compentence, ” she said.
Since December, those applying for a motorcycle licence have been required to complete a minimum of 16 hours’ tuition with an approved instructor. However, the lessons for motorbike drivers, unlike those for learner car drivers, have to be completed and passed to the satisfaction of the instructors.
Some instructors say they are uneasy about signing the logbook on the completion of the car driving lessons when the required level of proficiency has not been achieved.
However, RSA spokesman Brian Farrell insisted the new rules were very straight forward. “The instructor’s job was to provide the lesson and certify that it’s been completed,” he said.
“We recommend that learner drivers implement the practice, in the company of their sponsor, that the instructor recommends and if they do that there should be no difficulties.”
Mr Farrell warned, however, there was no obligation on candidates to take additional lessons, over and above the mandatory 12 hours.
He also advised people to look around for best value for money in the market place, noting that learner drivers were not restricted to taking all their lessons with the one instructor.
Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) public affairs spokesman Niall Doyle said the federation had been calling for compulsory basic training for more than a decade.
“We need learner drivers trained as a matter of law and we’ll get much better drivers as a consequence,” he said.
IRISHTIMES.COM
20 October 2010
Road safety is a serious issue
Wednesday October 20 2010
THEY say God loves a trier. And, if life were fair, persistence would always be rewarded with success. But the 54-year-old mystery man who has failed his driving test 20 times needs to consider his options.
The man who qualifies for the dubious distinction of being Ireland's worst driver is legally entitled to drive on the roads as long as he is accompanied by a driver who has held a full licence for at least two years.
He must find it awkward to find a qualified travel companion every time he wants to nip up to the supermarket, or off to the gym.
Likewise, the other 275,861 people on learner permits, including nearly 23,000 who have failed the test five times or more, would never take the wheel without a qualified driver at their sides.
Or would they?
The Road Safety Authority has done its best to improve driving habits generally, but many safety threats persist.
We know that more than 500 people each week are caught using mobile phones while driving, despite such behaviour increasing the chance of a crash fourfold.
We know that many people still refuse to wear seat belts.
Thousands of parents have been caught allowing children to travel in their cars without wearing seat belts.
Speeding and drink driving persist.
The suspicion must be that some people who have failed the test many times, and who must be considered poor drivers, venture out alone at times and therefore contribute to the road safety problem.
Irish Independent
20 October 2010
Nation's worst driver failed test 20 times
Mystery motorist trying to earn licence for 16 years
Wednesday October 20 2010
It's official -- the country's worst driver is a man.The unfortunate driver is still trying to pass the driving test -- after failing 20 times in a 16-year period.
Despite the old stereotypes about dangerous women drivers, it was confirmed last night by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) that the unnamed driver is a man who first sat the driving test in 1994.
He has failed at every attempt to pass it since -- most recently in February this year. At his first attempt, the driver was aged 38 and is now aged 54. The driver even did the test at a different location -- but still failed.
However, he is still legally entitled to drive on the roads on his learner permit as long as he is accompanied by a driver who has a full licence for two years or more.
The man has also paid an estimated €760 in fees for his 20 driving tests --based on the fact that the driving test fee remained at around €38 from 1992 until it was increased to €75 last year.
RSA chief executive Noel Brett confirmed to the Dail's Public Accounts Committee that this man has the highest level of recurring driving test failures of any driver in the country. The RSA said it would not release any further details about the man to protect his privacy.
Mr Brett told the Irish Independent yesterday that the vast majority of people passed their driving test while on their first learner permit. But there were some people who, for various reasons, were unable to pass their driving test, he said.
"We have people in their 80s passing their test for the first time, so it's not an ageism thing," he said.
He said the RSA was taking steps to help those who had failed their driving test three times or more -- including the provision of a driving supervisor.
Advice
"But there is no free pass because people are going out to share the road. They must demonstrate all of the (driving) competencies required," he said.
And Mr Brett said the best advice he could give to drivers who repeatedly failed their test was to take driving lessons from a qualified instructor -- which will be mandatory for all learner drivers from next April.
"When they tell you that you are ready, make an application for your test," he said.
Fianna Fail Laois-Offaly TD Sean Fleming, who had asked the RSA for details on the driver with the highest failure rate, said he was sympathetic to the individual concerned.
"It might be the person just doesn't know their right from their left and the straight from the reverse. But if the person is a menace on the road, they shouldn't be on the road," he said.
There are currently more than 22,000 drivers who have had five or more learner permits -- meaning they have failed their driving test at least four times. But Mr Brett said this number was down from 39,000 two years ago. "We have made significant progress in reducing the number of people on long-term learner permits," he said.
Under the current system, drivers can receive an unlimited number of learner permits as long as they sit the driving test every two years.
The RSA has contacted 2,600 drivers aged over 65 in the past 18 months who have failed their test three times or more to offer them advice and support.
The average waiting time for a driving test, which was once up to 62 weeks, is now 8.6 weeks.
- Michael Brennan
Irish Independent
2 September 2010
Kevin Myers: 'Our society must stop celebrating lives of reckless car-crash teens'
Thursday September 02 2010
It is simply wrong to treat the death of a teenager who dies out of voluntary recklessness with the same ceremonials of grief as those for the victim of leukaemia
There are several reasons why we should all be grateful that seven young people escaped without serious injury after their five-seater Opel Astra crashed at 4.45am last Monday morning in Mayo.
The first is the most obvious; these young people are alive, and their loved ones have much cause for relief. But equally, we are not now going to be subject to a serial display of funereal sentimentality, as some priest eulogises over the dead, and simpers how much the late victim loved cars, and how he adored racing, and what a great little speedster had been taken from us just as he was about to reach his impetuous prime.
The minds of the immature have been repeatedly told in recent times that if something untoward should happen to them while they're driving at lunatic speeds in an overcrowded car at 4.45am, their funerals will nonetheless be great celebrations of their lives. Communities will mourn, while their names will be on everyone's lips. And better still, the funeral obsequies will be broadcast on RTE radio, allowing listeners to agree what a great tragedy it was, and those poor young lives! Taken so early! What a terrible accident!
Sorry, wrong. These multiple teenage deaths are not accidents. They are crashes that are actuarially certain to happen -- whether they turn into mass-homicides is merely a matter of chance.
Now, it's possible that adult society can do nothing whatever about every single individual group of teenagers cramming into cars at 2am and joyriding around rural back-roads until the inexperienced driver misses a bend. But after that, adult society should then take over, and impose adult rules. These are -- or rather should be -- part of a culture that does not sentimentalise, and that imposes its will by stern measures. By exacting punishment, the law should send a very clear message to any other 2am devil-may-care youngsters. Not merely should the driver be banned from driving, for anything from a decade to life, but so too should his passengers (and we are always talking about male drivers in these matters).
In other words, we have to create an expectation that the consequences for passengers could outlast the duration of this little trip, into the rest of their lives. For they are all involved in a conspiracy to drive dangerously, and must answer accordingly.
So much for the law; but what about society? Well, I do understand that it is difficult for the few remaining Catholic priests to court unpopularity by being seen to be sober and austere at funerals, particularly since public displays of sentimentality and emoting are almost obligatory at almost all such affairs these days. Moreover, to expect a stern and unbendingly principled line on anything from those broken, vacant-looking survivors of Krakatoa, the Catholic bishops of Ireland, is also perhaps a little ambitious. But still, someone has to draw the line. Maybe the Church of Ireland should set the tone. For communities that half-celebrate the deaths of the semi-suicidal are, by that very deed, making it more likely that further semi-suicidal acts by other young people could follow.
For we know this now about human conduct. Many kinds of behaviour inspire emulation -- from serial killing, to suicides, to lethal joy-riding. We know, moreover, that a death cult can easily take root amongst the impressionable, whereby both suicidal and quasi-suicidal behaviour becomes acceptable.
Very well then. So let adult society reinforce the law with a social taboo, one that is not cruel in execution, but is nonetheless unmistakably austere. Because it is simply wrong to treat the death of the teenager who dies out of a purely voluntary recklessness with the same ceremonials of grief, perplexity and unfairness as those we usually reserve for the victim of leukaemia or lightning strike. Indeed, such posthumous ceremonials for the undeserving can only serve as a glamorous inducement for yet more anti-social and semi-murderous behaviour.
Simple and ceremony-free funerals for those who have sought death would be a right (though admittedly difficult) approach to take, even at the best of times. But we are now heading for the worst of times, as economic collapse, unemployment and social disintegration await communities everywhere. Which is the very reason why we have to create socially enforced norms that operate alongside the law, and that place a mark of public disapproval upon those kinds of behaviour that might become attractive in recession. Such behaviour, obviously, would include young people crowding into a tiny car at midnight to risk their lives by driving at high speed.
Might not passengers have second thoughts about getting into such a vehicle if they knew the price to be paid if they were stopped was a certain ban from driving well into adulthood? And who would think such behaviour was cool if young people KNEW that the funerals that awaited the dead of delinquent car-crashes would be austere, flowerless and without respectful obsequy, and most of all, would never be broadcast with presidential solemnity on RTE?
Social exclusion would certainly be the reward for young people if they engaged in sex acts on the main street at noon. Why is driving down that same main street at murderous speed at midnight so much less reprehensible?
kmyers@independent.ie
- Kevin Myers
Irish Independent
2 September 2010
Treacy Hogan: Whingers and naysayers- step up to the L-plate
Thursday September 02 2010
THE whingers complaining on the airwaves yesterday about the new rules for learner and novice drivers completely missed the point.
It is not about imposing needless restrictions and penalties on people.
It is about saving lives, the lives of those 17-24-year-olds killed with their equally young friends in ever-increasing numbers in body-crunching single-car pile-ups in the early hours of the morning.
There is no way to make this pretty. I've talked to emergency personnel about what it's like to come across the immediate aftermath of such an event.
If you're lucky there is some screaming, possibly even a quiet moan indicating life. There is usually a shoe lying in the middle of the road, some distance from the crash site.
More often than not it is utter stillness, the lights of the emergency vehicle shining on twisted metal and body parts. It is something that no one should have to witness, as it never goes away.
Yet this is the reality for increasing numbers of young drivers, mainly males, who believe they are indestructible, invincible and that the fatal pile-up always happens to someone else.
The reality, backed up by authoritative research here and abroad, is that young male learner permit drivers are dramatically over-represented in fatal and serious car crashes.
Research shows that for the first few months of driving, learners run the greatest risk of having fatal crashes. And this is the most important point of intervention.
The crash rate is highest during the teenage years, and declines each year after this. Inexperience increasingly equates with early death on Irish roads.
This year many more sleepy-eyed parents answered the doorbell to uniformed gardai breaking the news that they had lost a loved one.
Ireland is the only country where Junior (17) can get his parents to put him on the family car insurance policy as a named driver. He then gets big brother to give him a few lessons.
After that he drives around with his mates at high speed in the middle of the night, enjoying the new-found freedom afforded by the 'set of wheels'.
The next step is slam into a pole or wall or ditch, killing himself and his mates. Some of the coffins have to be kept closed, such is the extent of the high-speed carnage.
So who's to blame? His parents for not making sure he gets proper lessons and does not drive unaccompanied? The gardai for not stopping him? The Government and Road Safety Authority (RSA) for not bringing Ireland into line with the rest of Europe with a proper graduated driving test and instruction system, backed up by special penalty points and low drink-drive limits for learners?
All of the above. So when the RSA actually manages to put together a package on a par with best international practice and gets it approved by Transport Minister Noel Dempsey, what happens?
The whingers and naysayers get on to Joe Duffy and Co and start complaining about the poor young lads and how they are going to be hampered in their daily endeavours.
Absolute rubbish. Typical knee-jerk reaction based on a fear of any change.
Here's the bottom line. When proper graduated driving training and testing was introduced in other countries there was a fall in road deaths among young male drivers.
It is not a panacea to all of the unacceptable carnage on Irish roads, but it will save some more lives.
So stop whinging and get involved with your children as they learn to drive.
Step up to the L-plate and supervise your young adults behind the wheel. It could make the difference between life and (their) death.
thogan@independent.ie
- Treacy Hogan
Irish Independent
2 September 2010
L-drivers will be hit with double points in crackdown
Thursday September 02 2010
LEARNER and newly qualified drivers are to be hit by double penalty points for five key offences in an unprecedented crackdown.
This means that if the drivers clock up just three offences, or 12 penalty points, in any three-year period they face an automatic 12-month driving ban.
They face even more draconian measures if they end up in court, including having to re-sit their driving test and other restrictions such as:
- A curfew banning them from night driving.
- A ban on carrying passengers.
- Court orders for alco-locks to be fitted to vehicles, along with speed recording and tracking devices.
Under a new 'three-strikes-and-you're-out' rule, four penalty points will be imposed instead of two for speeding, not wearing a seat belt, using a mobile phone, dangerous overtaking and breaking traffic lights.
The double points will apply to learner drivers and newly qualified motorists for a two-year period.
The newly qualified drivers will also have to display new 'L' plates on their cars, indicating that they have restricted driving licences for two years, and face the same new penalties as learners.
The unprecedented changes form part of a new licensing system aimed at cutting the number of road deaths among young, inexperienced drivers, particularly males aged 17-24.
There are now 286,115 drivers holding learner permits. However, the new measures will only affect those taking out new permits.
The new penalty points regime, although approved by Transport Minister Noel Dempsey, is not expected until next year at the earliest, although legislation to give effect to the change is being drafted.
The amount of overtime available to the Garda Traffic Corps has been reduced, which is bound to hamper enforcement of the changes. However, a privately operated speed-camera operation will take to the nation's roads in October.
The Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system will include a requirement that all learners take a set number of lessons from a qualified driving instructor. The changes will also oblige learners to keep a log book noting hours spent practising.
Only motorists who pass an approved syllabus will be allowed to sit a test.
This comes after a series of devastating crashes involving young drivers in recent weeks.
The modernisation of driver training and licensing is a key foundation stone of the Government's current road safety strategy.
Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said what he and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) were trying to do was to make sure that when young people get cars, both they and other road users are safe.
Mr Dempsey said that some horrific incidents had highlighted the need for increased vigilance.
He said a young person between 17 and 24 getting into a car was five times more likely to die than an older person.
RSA chief executive Noel Brett said it was vital that drivers were formally trained to drive safely for life rather than just able to pass a test.
He said that driver inexperience was a major risk factor in collisions causing death and injury on our roads.
"The facts are that young and inexperienced drivers are more likely to kill or be killed on Irish roads," said the road safety chief.
Fine Gael road safety spokesman Shane McEntee TD warned that the new measures would not work unless they were enforced by gardai.
"Some young teenagers who are only 17 and have licences are out on the roads late at night and driving recklessly," he said.
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport president Paul Mallee called for the early implementation of the nine new measures.
Mr Mallee said it was appropriate that the measures were announced "following a summer of high-profile and tragic road accidents that caused the deaths of a number of young people ".
- Treacy Hogan
Irish Independent
1 September 2010
Road Safety Authority announce Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
For full information on Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) go to RSA Website
1 September 2010
L-drivers get 'homework' to teach them road safety
By Treacy Hogan
Irish Independent
Wednesday September 01 2010
LEARNER drivers will have to do regular on-road "homework" while being supervised in the car by their parents.
They will also have to spend a set period of time driving in the darkness hours, the Irish Independent has learned. This is the high-risk period for fatal crashes involving young male drivers, sometimes with multiple casualties.
The parent will fill in and sign a log book swearing the learner has completed each stage of the training on-road "homework".
The log book will then be brought to the learner driver's officially registered instructor, who will counter-sign it.
Under radical new proposals being unveiled today by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), learner drivers will not be able to take their driving test until they complete a set number of lessons and a set syllabus -- to be known as the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system.
It means that parents will no longer simply be able to put their children on their car insurance as named drivers and hand over the keys to them.
Learner drivers will still be able to take to the road if they are accompanied by a motorist who is qualified for at least two years. But they will also be required by law to designate a qualified driver as a "driving supervisor" or mentor, who will legally undertake to accompany the learner each time they have to carry out their "homework".
The supervisor will then certify that they have fully completed the syllabus.
It will no longer be possible to get a full driving licence unless the learner has fully completed the log book that has been signed by both the driving instructor and the supervising adult.
If a parent is not available, the learner can alternatively nominate another suitably qualified driver, such as an aunt, an uncle or a neighbour.
The move, a key plank in the Government's Road Safety Strategy, will bring Ireland into line with most other EU countries which do not allow learner drivers to take the driving test until they have undergone rigorous training.
Fraud
While some novice drivers may try to get around the new system by nominating a person who may sign the log book in the absence of any supervision, it is understood that the threat of a fraud prosecution will act as a significant deterrent.
Under the new system, misrepresentation of the learner's log book will be a fraudulent offence punishable by hefty fines and possibly jail.
The changes will only affect new learner-permit holders. Anyone who holds a licence now will not be affected.
The proposals are also expected to include a new restricted driving plate, known as an R-plate, when a person has completed the first phase of their L-plate training. They can then apply to get their full unrestricted licence following a further training period.
The changes come amid mounting concerns over the number of young male drivers aged 17-24 who are involved in fatal crashes in the early hours of the morning, particularly at weekends.
Learners caught clocking up penalty points for a range of offences including speeding, not wearing a seat belt or overtaking dangerously, also face the prospect of having speed limiting devices placed on their cars under new powers being given to judges.
Learner drivers will also be put off the road if they are caught with 20ml of alcohol in their system, effectively a zero-alcohol limit.
The RSA has ruled out the imposition of a night-time curfew on learner drivers and a ban on carrying unqualified drivers as passengers.
- Treacy Hogan
Irish Independent
23 August 2010
"Leading Lights in Road Safety Awards - 2010"
Do You Know A 'Leading Light' in Road Safety
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is calling on people nationwide to nominate 'Leading Lights' in road safety as part of the 2010 'Leading Lights
in Road Safety' Awards. The awards recognise the extraordinary contribution of people across Ireland to make road use safer for everyone.
The call for entries opens this today Monday 23rd August and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Dublin Castle on
Wednesday 13th October.
Now in its third year, the awards honour the outstanding efforts of people from local community groups, media, schools and businesses
nationwide to improve safety on Irish roads. This year, the categories have been extended to include Road Safety Officer of the Year,
Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) of the Year, Road Safety Ambassador of the Year and Young Road Safety Ambassador of the Year, Public
Sector (Fire Services, Gardaí, Paramedics, Local Authorities) and Business (SMEs and large employers). This year, there will also be an Open
Award category where people can nominate any individual or group who has made a contribution to road safety.
Speaking about the 'Leading Lights in Road Safety' Awards, Mr Gay Byrne, Chairman, Road Safety Authority said: "The 'Leading Lights' Awards
allow us to recognise and honour the extraordinary work being done by ordinary people throughout the country to help keep all of us safe on the
roads. And there are many people out there, unknown to you or I, who have worked tirelessly to promote road safety and protect their family,
friends, colleagues and community from the carnage on our roads."
"If you know of an individual, group or organisation who has addressed a road safety need in their community, school or workplace, honour their
work and their commitment to our safety by nominating them for a 'Leading Light'," he added.
In addition to the category awards, one winner will be chosen to receive a Supreme Award. This will be presented to an individual or group for the
most innovative and outstanding road safety initiative, leadership and exemplary dedication to the area of road safety.
People can nominate a 'Leading Light' from Monday 23rd August. The closing date for submitting a nomination for a 'Leading Light in Road Safety'
is Friday 24th September. The entries will be judged by a panel of experts who will be announced by the Road Safety Authority shortly. The
shortlisted entries will be announced on Monday 4th October.
Further information on the categories and how to nominate a 'Leading Light' is available at www.rsa.ie/leadinglights
For further information: RSA Communications Office: 096 25008