Sir, - I am amazed at the torrent of criticism that the current provisional licensing system is coming under at present. Surely people are not suggesting that a higher percentage of road accidents are caused by learner drivers.
While it is true that holders of a provisional license may have generally less experience on the roads, this does not necessarily make them more dangerous than other drivers. In my opinion it is the over-confidence in their own ability and that of their cars, coupled with bad habits developed over time of some of the more "experienced" drivers, that lead to so many fatal accidents. I have yet to come across a situation where the car that drives within less than the minimum safe braking distance from the rear of my car, blinding me with its fog lights before overtaking me on a dangerous stretch of road, turns out to be a fellow-learner.
Perhaps the general driving public should stop looking for a scapegoat, review their own driving techniques and habits and show a little more consideration for other drivers. Finally, in answer to Mr John Burnett's statement (February 14th) that provisional licence holders are "unhindered" by insurance companies, I believe there are many of us who consider paying over 25 per cent of our salary for insurance quite a hindrance. - Yours, etc.,
Gerry Canning, Skerries, Co Dublin.