Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As we are all aware, this is Road Safety Week. It is an opportunity for all of us, motorists, cyclists and all users of the road network, to focus on road safety. The weather is getting colder and the evenings darker so it is time to concentrate on various aspects of road safety. There is huge concern that a lot of drivers pay scant attention to the issue of tyre safety. A recent survey indicated that only approximately one in eight drivers checks the conditions of their tyres on a regular basis.The only protection we have on the road is the quality of the tyre, in particular as we drive our cars. It is critical that we would have a renewed focus on all aspects of road safety. People tended to skimp on road vehicle maintenance during the economic difficulties we have been through. A significant number of people have been killed on the roads.

I noted with interest recently the number of cyclists who have received fixed-charge notices and who have been prosecuted for dangerous cycling. Approximately 240 people have been prosecuted. That is very much to be welcomed. It shows there is a renewed emphasis and focus on the safety of cyclists. A total of 13 cyclists have been killed in the past year. I plead with all young drivers to be especially careful. We are all very concerned at the number of people who have been prosecuted for speeding, in particular in housing estates and built-up areas. During road safety week it is an opportunity for all of us to think about how temporary life is and how easily lives are lost on the road as a result of bad driver behaviour and poor vehicle maintenance. I urge all of us as public representatives to spread the word that there is a need for greater emphasis on safety as we head into the winter.