Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)

I welcome the opportunity to speak to the Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011 which I welcome and support. Its main focus is on implementing provisions included in legislation passed in 2010 and 2011 dealing with mandatory breath testing, alternative verdicts and the lowering of blood alcohol content, BAC, limits. I support these proposals which are practical and make common sense. They will enhance and bring about a further reduction in the numbers of fatalities and serious injuries on the roads. I support the reduction in BAC levels, from 80 mg per 100 ml to 50 mg per 100 ml for persons who have held a driving licence for more than two years, and to 20 mg per 100 ml for professional drivers such as taxi drivers and for learner drivers.

It is fair and true to say there has been a great cultural change in Ireland in recent years on road safety. The work done by the Road Safety Authority, local authorities and schools and generally throughout the State has had a significant influence and reduced the number of road fatalities by 40%. Last year the figure was reduced to 212. Obviously, every death is one too many; we should, therefore, focus our efforts on ensuring the figures which, although reduced, are still horrendous are reduced further.

I reiterate that there has been a significant cultural change in the matter of drinking and driving. No matter what anybody says, the smallest measure of alcohol impairs driving. As a previous speaker stated, in the region of 30% of all fatal accidents on our roads involve alcohol. In the past ten to 15 years, the concept of the designated driver has come into fashion. In addition, when they go out for a drink, to have a meal in a restaurant or to attend a social occasion, people usually use public transport or avail of taxis or hackney cabs. This represents a major and welcome change in attitudes.

We need to focus on a number of matters in the context of road safety, including speed, pedestrians and cyclists. The previous speaker referred to pedestrians and I agree that this is an issue to which consideration must be given. Far too many pedestrians are either being seriously or fatally injured as a result of accidents. In a good proportion of cases, such accidents occur late at night when people are on their way home from social occasions. While public transport, taxis, and so on, are available in cities and larger urban areas, there is no doubt that a problem exists for people who live in rural areas in the context of getting home after a night out. It would be worthwhile considering providing some form of transport in such areas - whether through an extension of the rural transport scheme or whatever - so that people might travel to functions in local community halls or to participate in charity and other forms of table quizzes being held in their local pubs. Perhaps we could consider adapting the rural transport scheme in order that people who live in the areas to which I refer might travel about at night without having to take their cars.

Publicans also have a responsibility in this regard. They should consider whether they can provide some form of transport for their patrons. I am aware of a number of publicans who provide transport for their customers on an ongoing basis. Their counterparts, particularly those which establishments in rural areas, should examine the possibility of providing transport. This would be of assistance in the context of protecting pedestrians. In view of the number of pedestrians either being seriously or fatally injured as a result of being involved in accidents, consideration should certainly be given to this matter.

I am also concerned with regard to pedal cyclists and motorcyclists. The Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Kelly, recently brought forward a number of very good proposals in respect of cycle lanes on national primary routes. The need for such proposals is an indication of the fact that a huge number of people cycle. The cycle to work scheme, which was introduced in 2009, has led to a significant number of individuals cycling to work and for leisure. Some of the figures are worth contemplating. A recent report shows that approximately 90,000 bicycles were purchased during the first two years of the cycle to work scheme. This generated an estimated €138.6 million in direct and indirect sales. Approximately 50 new bicycle shops opened during the period in question and something over 700 jobs were created. Since 2008, the membership of Cycling Ireland has doubled from 5,000 to 10,000.

There has been a huge increase in the number of individuals who cycle and there is no doubt that we must focus on the issue of cyclists and road safety. When such large numbers of people are cycling on our roads, there is both the possibility and probability that, unless we focus on ensuring their safety, problems will arise in the context of their being involved in accidents. As a result, there is a need to put additional cycle lanes in place and to educate people with regard to road safety in the context of cycling.

The other major issue which arises in the context of road safety is speed. Speed is a significant contributing factor to the number of deaths and injuries that occur on our roads. We probably need to review the speed limits that apply on motorways, bypasses, and so on. I hope the Department and the Road Safety Authority will consider the position in respect of pedestrians, cyclists and excessive speed when the next road safety plan is being drawn up. The work relating to that plan should involve a review of the speed limits that apply on our roads.

One of the key elements when it comes to further reducing the figure relating to road deaths is education. Some education in road safety is provided in second level schools. The matter is being dealt with to some degree but I am of the view that education in road safety should be formally included in the curriculum. Particular emphasis could be placed on road safety if it were included as part of the transition year programme. It will only be by educating young people and by them then educating their peers, parents, relatives and friends that progress will be made. Education can assist in further reducing the number of fatalities and injuries which occur on our roads.

I am concerned about motorcyclists. There is a particularly difficulty there and I am not quite sure how this can be dealt with. However, we need to examine this matter because the number of motorcyclists involved in road traffic accidents is certainly disproportionate to their numbers.

Previous speakers referred to road maintenance, particularly that relating to secondary and county roads. This is a matter in respect of which action must be taken, particularly in view of the fact that the winters of 2009 and 2010 were extremely harsh.

Many of these secondary and county roads have been very badly affected by a combination of frost, snow and rain. Roads in such a condition do not help road safety. There is a need to ensure that funding and resources are available to bring these roads up to a proper standard, as the quality of the roads contributes to an improvement in road safety. We are being told that we are on the verge of another very cold winter and I hope that money can be ring-fenced for improvement, especially on secondary and county roads.

I will mention the purchasing of older or "clapped out" vehicles by young people. The issue has been raised on a number of occasions but still needs further work and review. There was a time when a young person could purchase a vehicle for €100 or €200 and drive it away. This can be and has been a recipe for difficulty, disaster or tragedy. It is an issue that should be dealt with, reviewed and focused upon in the next road safety plan. I welcome the opportunity to speak to the Bill, which I support. I have made some suggestions for a practical and common sense approach to what I hope will be an improvement to road safety.

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