Vol. 535 No. 1
414 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the public education efforts being planned directly towards improving public understanding of road safety and rules of the road issues, other than the current campaign related to drink driving. [11930/01]
Responsibility for developing and disseminating publicity, advertisements and educational material on road safety is assigned to the National Safety Council (NSC). In accordance with the Government strategy for road safety 1998-2002, NSC have recently launched an education resource pack on safety including road safety, called "BE SAFE", for use in primary schools. Over 30,000 copies of the pack have been distributed. A secondary school project on road safety is now also being developed by the NSC.
NSC also promotes TV and other media and awareness campaigns on road safety on a continuing basis. Focusing these campaigns is a matter for the council having regard to the prioritisation by the Government strategy of the key areas of speeding, drink driving and seat belt wearing. In addition to major national campaigns, NSC also supports and encourages the organisation of projects and initiatives at local and community levels. A driver theory test service has just been launched and will commence testing in June 2001. The new theory test is designed to promote a more systematic understanding of road safety principles and behaviours, including the rules of the road, in novice drivers.
Question No. 415 answered with Question No. 411.
