Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The reduction in the number of road deaths in recent years may well be one of the positive results of the Celtic tiger era. The number of motorways with dual carriage status has done much to reduce the numbers of road casualties in the past ten years. Since 1997 we have reduced the number of road deaths by almost two thirds, which is to be welcomed. To further decrease the numbers of road deaths and accidents we need to examine how we achieved these reductions.

The penalty points system is a central plank of the Government's plan to deter drivers from bad behaviour on the roads. Penalty points are an added deterrent rather than just fines where the implications for consistent poor road behaviour will eventually lead to a driver being put off the road.

The Bill provides that learner drivers will be automatically disqualified when they amass six penalty points, as compared to 12 for drivers with full licences. I welcome this proposal as statistics will tell us that drivers aged 21 to 25 years remain the age group with the highest number of driver road deaths. It is evident every weekend when we hear of news reports of up to four young people in a small car involved in single vehicle accidents between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. In some cases, drivers with provisional licences are involved. We must try to do all in our power to inform and educate these learner drivers that there is a thin line between life and death, that they are not alone on the road and that they must always expect the unexpected.

The issue of drink driving has been the subject of many a debate from here in this House to our local council chambers. The decline of the rural pub is directly related in many cases to the reduction in the blood-alcohol limit which has been revised on a number of occasions by successive Governments. Despite this action, it is clear from reading local newspapers that some reckless people continue to drive with blood-alcohol levels far in excess of the limit and are involved in accidents causing death or injury.

Currently, the law does not allow for the taking of a blood specimen from incapacitated drivers following a collision. This will now be permitted under the Bill where the treating doctor does not consider it prejudicial to the health of the person. The sample can be taken without the permission of the incapacitated person, but permission must be given before the sample can be tested. This will be welcomed by many victims of drunk drivers who would have expressed their frustration with the current law. These drivers will suffer the consequences not only for their own injuries but those of the persons they hit. The Minister is also allowing for intoxication impairment to be tested more easily where a person is impaired because of alcohol or drugs. This will result in getting more reckless people off the roads and is very welcome.

The issue of drug-driving presents difficulties for the Garda. I understand from some gardaí that the effects of drug intoxication may not be as visible as alcohol intoxication. Most drugs can be detected during tests for alcohol in blood and urine samples. However, there is a need for roadside tests in the case of drug-driving. Section 11 gives the Garda powers to carry out preliminary impairment tests like walking a straight line and will allow a garda to make up her or his mind as to whether he or she should proceed to a formal test.

The Minister is increasing the number of penalty points in several areas on the assumption that certain types of driver behaviour cause the most accidents. The number of penalty points for speeding increases by one point to three. It is obvious that speeding is the reason for many accidents. However, I must question the placement of certain speed checks on regional roads. Some checks are done in 30 km areas; the proverbial "shooting goldfish in a bowl" comes to mind. Instead, we want more checks late at night or at weekends which respond to statistics on accidents when some of the boy racers are out on the road and driving recklessly.

I note also the increase by one point for drivers who use their mobile phone while driving. This, again, is a practice that causes many accidents. Most new vehicles have a Bluetooth system fitted which does not require a driver to take his or her hand off the steering wheel. Car kits can also be fitted at very good value. There should be no excuse for drivers and I welcome the proposal.

I welcome the measures introduced by the Minister which will continue to reduce the number of road deaths. From 2002 to 2004, 362 people were killed in road traffic accidents. I estimate this year and the previous two will see that figure down to approximately 172, a reduction of 50%. While this is good, it is still too many. However, 200 families will not experience the grief of having a loved one killed on the road compared to ten years ago.

Our road infrastructure is a major negative factor in the number of road deaths.

I urge the Minister to concentrate his limited resources on the upgrading of major traffic routes. Last week the Minister visited my constituency, where he viewed the results of the €1.1 million spend on the N16. I again thank the NRA and the Minister for this funding, which will decrease the number of accidents. In the last 15 years more than 40 accidents have taken place, with numerous deaths and serious injuries. This narrow road is expected to cater for articulated lorries en route from Sligo to Belfast and it cannot. Similarly, the N4 from Castlebaldwin to Collooney is a road the Minister is familiar with, and statistics, alongside the white cross reminders, show the large number of accidents on this stretch.

The development of motorways with dual carriageway to Galway, Waterford, Athlone and Limerick in the last five years has directly resulted in reductions in road deaths. If we have the opportunity to further stimulate the economy I urge the Government to address the deficiencies in our major road network. This would not only enhance regional and Border economic development but ensure the further saving of lives on the roads.

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