Sir, - The introduction of a penalty points system, similar to that in use in the UK, is to be welcomed in the effort to reduce death and injury on Irish roads. However, this measure will never go far enough unless we adopt another practice from our neighbours across the water.
In the UK, holders of provisional licences are restricted to driving solely for the purpose of learning how to drive. If one wishes to enjoy the freedom of unrestricted driving, it is necessary to pass a driving test. A provisional licence holder may not, for example, drive a car alone, but must be accompanied by a full licence holder. The large backlog of driving test applications in Ireland has led to thousands upon thousands of motorists driving without the necessary qualifications. Learning to drive is a complex task. Not only is it necessary to get to grips with the mechanical basics, but road manners and, of course, the laws of the land must be learned too. As long as people are allowed to continue driving without their skills being assessed, the carnage will continue.
In the workplace, operators of dangerous machinery must be properly trained and have their skills evaluated in order to use the machinery safely. Is a car not a potentially lethal piece of machinery that requires proper training in its operation? The Government is not alone in its responsibility for allowing this situation to continue. Insurance companies in the main (with a few honourable exceptions) offer little incentive by way of lower rates for full licence holders.
The Government and the insurance industry must take steps to ensure that the provisional licence becomes just that - a means to gaining a licence, not a licence in itself. If the situation continues as at present, they may as well give out driving licences in packets of cornflakes. - Yours, etc., Gerry Gunnigan,
Carysfort Park, Blackrock, Co Dublin.