Sir, - In 1996 there were 455 deaths on our roads. In the five years 1991-1995 there were 2,132 deaths and 32,318 injured. During this same period there were 137 murders. Being killed on the road is a much greater threat than being killed by violent crime. Our friends and neighbours are terrorised by this threat to our lives. Many of the deaths are caused by excessive speeds. Cars, lorries and even buses go as fast as they please without regard for any speed limit. They run through red lights and stop/yield signs without any fear of being stopped by the Garda.
Breaking the law is a crime and when it results in death and injury, it is a serious crime. All of our political parties and candidates have pledged to fight crime. Yet no party or candidate has mentioned or even recognised this crime on our roads. The only traffic violation enforced with vigour is illegal parking. How many people are killed by parked cars? Yours, etc.,
Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4.
