asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that, as a result of an inquiry among drivers, it was ascertained that drivers of small cars report the percentage of lights dimmed by oncoming cars to be as low as ten to 20 per cent. and that drivers of large cars naturally report the percentage to be 80 or 90 per cent; and, if so, whether he will recommend that remedial action be taken by the Garda authorities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motor Cars—Dimmed Lights.
I am not aware that any official inquiry has been carried out to ascertain the percentage of drivers who dim their lights, and I cannot say whether the figures given by the Deputy are reliable. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, a regulation has now been made by the Minister for Local Government which provides that from the 1st September next every motor vehicle must be equipped with a dimming device. When this regulation comes into force it will be possible to prosecute persons who have not equipped their motor vehicles with a dimming device or who have complied with the regulation, but fail, without sufficient cause, to exercise reasonable consideration for other traffic, by not using the dimming device. The Commissioner of the Garda Síochána is issuing appropriate instructions to the force.