Good news has been as rare as hen's teeth in the context of road safety, but a report from the Irish Insurance Federation suggests that traditional, destructive attitudes are changing, with a reduction in the incidence of drunk driving, excessive speeding and dangerous overtaking. That in turn, can be expected to contribute to lower insurance premiums for motorists as death and injury rates continue to fall.
Publicity campaigns initiated by the Road Safety Authority have contributed to these welcome developments. But the most important elements have probably been increased Garda visibility and enforcement, with the introduction of mandatory breath-testing and an increase in the use of speed cameras. Four times as many motorists now believe they are likely to be caught and punished if they drink and drive, compared to last year. But the percentage of those fearful of being caught is still too low, at 60 per cent.
Progress is being made in improving safety standards. A significant reduction in the number of road deaths so far this year, compared to 2006, provides convincing evidence in that regard. And the average 35-week wait for a driving test has been cut to 25 weeks. The advances made will, however, have to be consolidated and built upon. That will require adequate financing, Government commitment, more speed cameras and the promised expansion of the Garda Traffic Corps. In the past, improved safety performances were lost because of a lack of investment and official follow-through.
It comes as no surprise to learn that safer motoring behaviour and falling road deaths is directly linked to the fear of being detected. That factor should encourage Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan to expand the Garda Traffic Corps to its target level of 1,200, which will require an increase of almost 50 per cent. And we are still waiting for the installation of a privatised speed camera network formally authorised more than a year ago.
A growing level of compliance with traffic laws is reflected in a doubling of support for the penalty points system among motorists. But one in 10 of those questioned still admitted to drunk driving. And twice that number did not wear seat belts. Such dangerous, anti-social behaviour should be targeted and punished by gardaí. At the same time, more effective means will have to be found to educate pedestrians about the dangers they face. Almost 50 pedestrians have been killed on the roads this year, in spite of official appeals to wear reflective clothing, carry a light and avoid excessive drinking. We all have a contribution to make to road safety.