asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has seen a report that white roads prevent accidents; and whether he proposes to take any steps to test such a theory experimentally in the interests of public safety.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Traffic Accidents: Experimental White Roads.
18.
There is already a considerable amount of information available on this subject, the general conclusion being that while a light coloured surface of the proper texture gives better visibility at night it is only one of the many factors to be taken into consideration in providing an all-round safe and economical surface.
In selecting surfacing materials in this country the advantages of a light coloured surface are not overlooked but naturally other factors relating to the circumstances in any particular case must also be weighed. These include resistance to skidding, initial cost, probable life and cost of maintenance.
It must be stressed that pedestrians can, at no cost to themselves, go a long way towards ensuring their own safety on roads at night by, for instance, using the footpath where one is provided and by facing oncoming traffic where there is no footpath.
After that long and learned reply, what is the Minister going to do about it?
Is the Deputy making any suggestions?
I did, in my question. The Minister has not stated whether he is going to do anything or not.
I more or less suggested that I have been doing something about it. All these factors are considered in regard to these matters. I do not know whether the report to which the Deputy refers is one which is to be taken as authoritative in this matter. It may or it may not.
Deputy Sweetman, in his question, did put the suggestion to the Minister—not in so many words—that he might make an experiment on some stretch of road. Does the Minister contemplate making any such experiment?
I might consider it in the light of the other factors I mentioned in my reply.
The reply was a masterpiece of learned evasion. I hope the Taoiseach heard that remark; otherwise, it would not be brought to his attention. The remark was: "A masterpiece of evasion". The Minister is a true disciple of the Taoiseach.