Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 2

Written Answers. - Road Safety.

Martin Brady

Question:

331 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the measures he will take in conjunction with the National Roads Authority and local authorities to ensure that crash-proof barriers are installed and maintained on all motorways and dual carriageways in view of the vast increase in car ownership in recent years and the heavy annual toll of lives and injuries in road traffic accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22063/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey):

It is accepted that crash-proof barriers can contribute importantly to road safety in appropriate circumstances.

The recommended specification for crash barriers is now set out in Specifications for Road Works which has been published recently by the NRA and a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library. The NRA will also, in the coming months, publish a design manual for roads and bridges which will provide updated guidance on the correct use and positioning of crash barriers and circumstances in which they should be erected.

Martin Brady

Question:

332 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans he has in conjunction with the Department of Education and Science to introduce any system, either voluntary or compulsory, of vehicle driver training and testing in secondary schools akin to that in high schools in the USA for pupils approaching the age of 18 in view of the vast ownership of cars in recent years particularly among young people; the further plans he has to introduce any programmes targeted at young drivers to increase road safety awareness and road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22064/00]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy):

The Road Safety Strategy 1998-2002 recognises the need for developing the skills of secondary school students as the adult road users of the future. Under the strategy, the National Safety Council has been tasked with the preparation of resource material on road safety for secondary school students, with particular reference to the transition year. It is hoped to launch this resource in September 2001.

I am aware that some schools have introduced driver education programmes on an individual basis and my Department is co-operating with a number of these initiatives. I intend that the experience of these projects will be monitored with a view to their more widespread promotion and adoption.

A driver theory test will be introduced in 2001 as an additional requirement for novice drivers. This will cover in greater depth than the existing practical driving test such areas as knowledge of the rules of the road, risk perception, hazard awareness and good driving behaviour.