There is a lot of merit in the ideas put forward in this amendment. In fact, under the road safety strategy, we have made a commitment that we will: "Make it compulsory for a breakdown emergency pack including a first aid kit, a high visibility vest, a breakdown triangle and a torch to be carried in all vehicles by end 2014." I commend Senator Quinn on making this proposal. We have no disagreement on policy here. However, I would prefer to have a little bit more time to consider how we give effect to this policy, including how we specify what items should be in the breakdown pack and how we define exactly what a warning triangle is, what its dimensions should be, etc. I would also like to have an opportunity to discuss it with the key organisations, in particular the RSA, before moving to legislate on this matter. I would, therefore, appreciate if the Senator would withdraw his amendment on the basis that I will bring forward an amendment along similar lines in the next road traffic Bill.
Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed)
A suggestion made by Senator Sheahan the other day was that pedestrians on dimly lit routes should also wear those reflective jackets. When the Minister is discussing this with the key organisations, he might include that on the agenda.
That would be very onerous to implement.
I appreciate what the Minister said. We are agreed on the principle. I am happy to withdraw the amendment on the basis that the Minister will introduce a similar one in legislation at a later stage. I thank the Minister.
There are a couple of issues which need to be looked at in regard to road safety. One is the issue of slow drivers. It is not uncommon to come across somebody driving at 60 km/h or 65 km/h on a 100 km/h stretch with a huge build-up of traffic behind him or her. People try to pass the person which, in itself, can become dangerous. Many people who drive at that speed will pull in once they know there is a build-up of traffic behind them and will allow the traffic to flow while others will continue to hog the middle of the road.
I mentioned this in the House before and was told by a predecessor of the Minister's that within the Road Traffic Acts there is scope for the Garda to prosecute someone for driving without due regard for other road users. That is not specific enough and it is rarely applied. The only time I have seen it applied was when a garda prosecuted the driver of a tractor and was much criticised as a consequence. There should be some specific reference, along the lines-----
As it is 4.30 p.m. I ask the Senator to report progress.
I report lack of progress.