Sir, – “So much of the time I spend outdoors with my children is wasted thinking or talking about the danger of cars”. This quote from Joanna Marsden’s weekend essay hits the nail on the head. I couldn’t agree more (“I’m driving less. I don’t want to see the world through a driver’s eyes any more,” March 28th).
Cars are by far the most dangerous things in our environment and one of the biggest causes of death for young people. The fact that they are given such priority of space and respect is a scandal. They have taken over the planning and layout of our country to such an extent that even people who want to walk or cycle are forced into cars because it’s too dangerous otherwise.
My own young nephews are a prime example – despite wanting to, they cannot walk the 1km from their home to their school, because there is no footpath, and cars speed around the corners at 80km/h
It is a vicious circle. Everybody drives, so they have no choice but to drive. But if the majority of people who lived within 5km of the school opted to walk or cycle, the roads would be safe for everybody to walk and cycle.
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Marsden’s article also highlights the many joys that come with freeing oneself of the tyranny of cars, as well as how much we have lost because of our obsession with and dependence on them. It should be essential reading for everyone. – Yours, etc,
AISLING JUDGE,
Ballinteer,
Dublin 16.
