Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 3

Written Answers. - Road Rage.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

114 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if any research has been carried out here into the causes of the increase in road rage incidents; his views on the extent of the problem; if there are any statistics available on the incidence and consequences of road rage; and his views on whether detailed research into the problem and action to counteract the phenomenon are necessary. [24711/00]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

144 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the research available internationally on the increase in road rage incidents in other countries; and if he has had any discussions with his colleagues in the European Union or otherwise on measures which might be taken to counteract the phenomenon. [24712/00]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 144 together.

The term road rage encompasses a broad range of activity which is of itself aggressive in nature and can give rise to serious consequences in terms of legal infractions, injury and even death. Road rage generally encompasses intentional abusive, often violent, behaviour by the driver of a vehicle in response to a real or an imagined traffic grievance. In general terms, road rage and its consequences are more relevant to be addressed under general criminal legislation as opposed to road traffic legislation. The term "road rage" originated in the United States and research carried out there suggests that the prevailing motoring environment can influence the incidence and severity of the behaviour which falls within the ambit of the term. Limited research carried out in the United Kingdom shows that the mood of a driver, allied with the driver's propensity to engage in unsafe driving, can be major influences in the creation of aggressive driving behaviour.

Advancing road safety to positively influence driver behaviour is central to the Government's road safety strategy. The success of the strategy is critically dependent on public support from individual citizens. The strategy prioritises actions targeted at speeding, the use of alcohol, seat belt wearing and the vulnerable road user. The full mobilisation of all the recommendations set out in the strategy will have a positive influence on road behaviour which will in turn promote a greater degree of respect in each road user for their own safety and the safety of others.