Sir, – The distressing rise in wrong-way driving on Irish motorways demands that we stop describing these incidents merely as “dangerous driving” – a phrase that is totally inadequate bearing in mind the recklessness involved.
Where someone knowingly drives the wrong way along a motorway, with full awareness of the obvious risk of a head-on collision, the offence should be treated as attempted murder, rather than simply dangerous driving. Where such conduct results in death, the law should provide for more serious charges.
The recent tragedy in which five young people lost their lives and innocent motorists were injured is a devastating reminder of the need for legislative action. Whatever the circumstances or family background of those responsible, nothing can justify such a flagrant disregard for human life.
The M50 and all other motorways are places where drivers reasonably expect every vehicle to be travelling in the same direction – we should not wait for another family to receive the devastating news that a loved one has been killed by somebody who chose to drive the wrong way.
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When behaviour amounts to a conscious and reckless disregard for human life, the law should say so in language that is equally clear. – Yours, etc,
Geoff Scargill,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.
