Driving and deterrence

Madam, - I disagree with John Waters when he says that, with regard to road safety, there has been too much stick and not enough…

Madam, - I disagree with John Waters when he says that, with regard to road safety, there has been too much stick and not enough carrot (Opinion, April 3rd). What stick have we had? Penalty points? Most Irish drivers are not too concerned about penalty points. The point is that the "stick" has not been tried.

Most Irish people think they are good drivers. We are not worried about causing a fatal accident because we think we are not going to be involved in a serious accident. So why change?

Bad road behaviour is endemic in Irish drivers. Something drastic is required to change that - very strong deterrents. I suggest a minimum mandatory jail sentence for persons convicted of dangerous driving causing death and a minimum mandatory term of community service for persons convicted of driving while under a driving ban. No exceptions in either case.

Appealing to people's sense of duty is just a waste of time. - Yours, etc,

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DENIS COSTELLO, Glendown Grove, Templeogue, Dublin 6w.