Kate Walsh (Progressive Democrats)

I appreciate having a few moments to speak about circumstances which have brought great tragedy to many families. There have been 118 deaths on our roads this year, which is not simply a statistic but a reference to 118 tragic stories of loss and sorrow for the families of those who have lost their lives. Senator Morrissey spelt out the main points of the motion our party has moved this evening and I hope all Members will support the initiatives for which he has called. Investment must be matched with real action and improvements. I wish to address the use of headlights during daylight hours, the cleanliness of headlights and number plates and pedestrian safety.

Research has shown that leaving dipped headlights switched on during daylight hours, regardless of weather, reduces the risk of collision, especially while overtaking. Laws in Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Norway and Sweden require vehicles to operate with their lights on during daytime. The practice has been in place in Canada since 1989, since which time the Government there estimates it has saved 120 lives each year. It would be foolish to fail to consider the introduction of similar measures in this jurisdiction, especially for heavy goods vehicles. There are many large vehicles on our roads transporting goods in our prosperous economy, which it would be safer to operate with dipped headlights switched on at all times. If these vehicles at least were required to use headlights, we would not have to depend on drivers to activate them as light faded in the evening.

It is imperative that drivers of vehicles, especially large lorries, keep their headlights, indicators and number plates clean and visible. We must ensure that drivers are compelled by law to keep their vehicles in the safest possible condition. Bus drivers in particular have a responsibility to all of us and to themselves. Research has shown that dirty headlights can reduce a driver's night vision by 50% to 90%. I would like to see all regulation in the area reviewed to remove all possible risk from our roads. While the points are specific, I wished to have them aired in the House.

I welcome the new pedestrian safety campaign which the Garda has launched. The initiative is aimed at raising awareness among pedestrians of the dangers posed by road traffic. The focus is on the dangers posed by trucks and blind spots due to the increase in the incidence of fatal injuries of pedestrians by vehicles in recent years. Last year, 84 pedestrians were killed on our roads, which is nearly two per week. The Garda is especially anxious to raise awareness among pedestrians that if they cannot see the driver of a truck or other high-cab vehicles, it means the driver cannot see them. It is a simple message which could save lives.

There is a specific duty to pedestrians, especially at night given the occurrence of more than two thirds of fatal pedestrian accidents during the hours of darkness. While pedestrians can hear a car coming and see its lights, a driver may not see a pedestrian. A driver will certainly not hear a pedestrian. If necessary, we should make it compulsory for pedestrians walking on roads at night to wear reflective arm bands or Sam Browne belts to make them visible at distance.

In addition to raising these points, I wish to ensure we do all we can as legislators to raise as many issues as possible. We have a duty to make these points and to encourage the public to take whatever steps are necessary to reduce the numbers of sad stories for families of people who lose their lives on Irish roads.