Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 May 1997

Vol. 479 No. 3

Written Answers. - Road Safety.

Ivor Callely

Question:

13 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider the introduction of compulsory motor cycle tuition courses in order to improve road safety and education to motor cyclists; the statistics for motor cycle accidents over the past number of years; the number of fatal accidents for drivers and passengers in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12823/97]

Máirín Quill

Question:

26 Miss Quill asked the Minister for the Environment the new proposals, if any, he has to offer better safety, protection and value to tourists on Irish roads in view of the large number of complaints from overseas tourists about defective sign posting and difficulties experienced by tourist drivers in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12875/97]

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

27 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment the new proposals, if any, he has to offer better safety, protection and value to tourists on Irish roads in view of the large number of complaints from overseas tourists about defective sign posting and difficulties experienced by tourist drivers in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12883/97]

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

34 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for the Environment the immediate steps, if any, he proposes to take in order to reverse the growing number of road accidents and fatalities on our roads. [12896/97]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 26, 27 and 34 together.

On the matter of road safety generally, I refer to the reply to Question No. 5 on today's Order Paper.

Motorcyclists are clearly a high risk category of road user. In the years 1991 to 1995, some 14 per cent of road fatalities, and some 10 per cent of injuries, involved motorcyclists, although motorcycles make up only 2 per cent of the total vehicle fleet. This situation gives rise to serious concern about the manner in which these vehicles are used, expecially by young males.

The EU directive on driving licences, which is the basis for the regulation of driving throughout the Union, does not require that motorcyclists receive mandatory tuition prior to undergoing the driving test. Current Irish driving licensing regulations, which provide that persons under 25 years of age are required to gain a minimum of two years' experience on lower-powered motorcycles not exceeding 125 cc before being allowed to progress to higher powered motorcycles are probably the most restrictive arrangements governing access to driving motorcycles among the EU member states.

Amending driver licensing regulations will be made later this year to provide for further changes to our driver licensing procedures necessitated by the requirements of the Second EU Directive on driving licences. These will include the introduction of a separate written theoretical test for all new drivers entering the driver licensing system, including motorcyclists. I do not at present propose to introduce mandatory tuition for motor cycles but I will keep the matter under review.

Enforcement by the Garda of road traffic law generally, including speed limits and the wearing of helmets, must continue to be a major element in improving the motor cycle accident record. So too must constant reminders to all road users, including motorcyclists, by the National Safety Council of the dangers of excessive and inappropriate speeding, and drinking and driving.

Special measures are already being taken to assist visitors in their understanding and appreciation of driving, cycling or walking on our roads. These measures include special multi-lingual road signs, introduced last year, and multi-lingual information leaflets provided by the National Safety Council. Both the signs and the leaflet focus on the requirement to drive on the left. In a Seanad debate last month, I undertook to consider that further measures, additional to those already in place, might be introduced in an effort to minimise the involvement of tourists in road accidents. I also undertook to support, in whatever way I can, any proposls for the fitting in hired cars of signs or devices which I understand are being developed.

A traffic signs manual which I published last December covers all aspects of road signage and is designed to ensure that there is an effective and well-maintained traffic sign system which will benefit all road users, including tourists. A copy of the manual is available in the Oireachtas Library.