Road accidents will decrease due to new measures

Cork South Central Senator Deirdre Clune is welcoming the new road safety measures in the Road Traffic Bill 2012 which was signed off by Cabinet this week.

“Ireland has made huge strides forward in reducing road deaths. These further changes will hopefully prevent even more accidents on our roads.

“The Bill includes a new ‘Graduated’ Driver Licensing system. This means that a new category of Novice Driver (N) will be on the roads, this new level will cover people in their first two years after qualification.

“These novice drivers will be subject to a new, lower threshold of six penalty points for automatic disqualification, rather than the normal 12 for fully qualified drivers.

“This will mean more experienced and safer drivers will hold a full licence and beginners will be clearly recognised on the roads, even once they have passed their test.

“Clarification has been introduced regarding texting and using phones while driving, it will also be an offence to use or handle the keypad of a mobile phone for the purpose of texting or receiving information. This is extremely important, especially due to the prevalence of smart phones.
 

“Particularly at Christmas time it is vital that people drive safely and I believe that Ireland is taking great steps forward to reduce road deaths.”

ENDS

Please contact:

Senator Deirdre Clune

016183365/0872387539

Notes to Editors:

The changes to the Penalty Points are as follows: 

• Learner drivers who are driving without a qualified driver will face penalty points for the first time with 2 penalty points applying (4 on conviction); 
• Not displaying L or N plates will face penalty points for the first time, with 2 penalty points applying (4 on conviction); 
• Penalty points for mobile phone use, including the new provision related to texting, will rise from 2 to 3 points (5 on conviction); 
• Penalty points for speeding will rise from 2 to 3 points (5 on conviction) –contingent on the conclusion of the current review of speed limits; 
• Penalty points for not wearing a seatbelt will rise from 2 to 3 points (5 on conviction).