Vol. 497 No. 5
246 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals, if any, there are in relation to inexperienced drivers to encourage additional instruction for those who pass the driving test and have no experience of driving on motorways at night or in adverse weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25457/98]
The Government strategy for road safety, 1998-2002, prioritises action in relation to speeding, alcohol and seat belt wearing as holding the greatest and most immediate potential for realising road safety gains. Promotional and enforcement activity in support of these priorities is particularly directed at known high risk categories of road users, including younger drivers. In addition, the strategy aims to increase confidence in, and use of, the driver instructor register, DIR, scheme by undertaking that my Department will be prepared to assist DIR to attain appropriate quality assurance.
The strategy does not at this stage prioritise the design of specific measures to prolong the training of inexperienced drivers. Such measures are not in wide operation internationally, nor are their benefits well proven. However, regard will be had to emerging international developments in this area in the context of reviewing the strategy.
