Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

I support strongly much of what Senator Mooney said. We have all noticed the poor lights on many vehicles on the road. As public representatives, it is incumbent on us to highlight the need for people to examine the tyres and lights on their cars, especially as we approach winter. People tend to cut corners in difficult economic circumstances and this contributes to road traffic accidents. With all the new technology in motor vehicles, I often wonder why there is nothing to indicate a headlight or a break light is not working. If the oil level is low, this is indicated, yet in most vehicles there is nothing to indicate that a break light or headlight is not functioning properly. Some people are rather careless about having these things checked. I would like to see us highlighting the issue among our constituents and trying to get the Road Safety Authority to conduct a blitz to inform the public of the dangers posed by poor lighting and tyres.