More needs to be done in schools to tackle road safety crisis, says campaigner

Elber Twomey, whose husband, son and unborn daughter were killed when a suicidal driver drove into them in 2012, said more needs to be done in schools.

She was speaking after junior minister Jack Chambers’ said there aren’t enough gardaí working on road safety.

At least 141 people were detained on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol since last Thursday.

In that time, the death toll on Irish roads has also gone from 50 to 58, which is up 16 on the 42 deaths this time last year.

Inspector Padraig Sutton, who runs Limerick’s Roads Policing Unit, said the latest figures are “alarming”.

Speaking during a checkpoint during the Easter Weekend road safety awareness campaign, he said: “We are out there and doing our best and trying to reverse the trends.

“No matter what you are doing on the road, you need to take care of yourself and think about the fact that your actions have consequences.” 

Ms Twomey believes greater efforts need to be made to get the road safety message home to children and young people and shouldn’t just be left up to gardaí.

“They have a lot on their plates and there is no doubt road safety is one of their big areas of concern,” the Cork campaigner said.

“But other sections of the State have a big role here too.

“For example, the Department of Education needs to bring in a new Leaving Cert subject around road safety, road awareness, car maintenance, and driving lessons.

“To pass, you would not only need to pass practical exams but also pass a driving test.” 

Gardai can't be everywhere and drivers "need to cop on and stop being so reckless on the roads", she said.

Inspector Sutton said: “We have a huge responsibility as a society to look at what we are doing when we get into cars, onto our motorbikes, on our bikes or walking on the side of the roadways.

“When you are driving a car, you are driving something made of metal that weighs in excess of a tonne.

“There is a huge responsibility on you.

“When you are on a motorbike, or a bicycle, you need to be wearing high visibility gear.

“When you are walking, you need to think about the route and think about where you are walking - is the road suitable for walking on the side of?

“If so, you should have your Hi-Viz vest on and think about protecting yourself.” 

Asked if there were other issues affecting driver behaviour, he said: “Intoxication, using a phone, no seat belts, excessive speed - all these issues are where my main concern and focus is.” 

Inspector Sutton is one of the officers involved in the gardaí’s ‘The Lifesaver Project’ road safety education program aimed at schools, colleges and clubs and local societies.

Originally designed in Limerick by his officers, it was rolled out nationally from last October.