Sir, - Amid growing concern at the high level of road deaths in 1997, the response of the Government is predictable: another highlevel review of road safety, and, I'll bet, a ponderous report in eight months' time stating many facts that are obvious to everyone.
May I set out a few measures that should help to reduce deaths: 1. Introduce legislation laying down the type and intensity of lights and reflectors on bicycles and make provision to confiscate bicycles breaking this law.
2. Distribute free reflector armbands to schools and pubs and encourage teachers and bar staff to draw attention to the need to wear them after dark. Start this campaign every autumn and continue it throughout the winter.
3. Reduce the speed limit by 10 m.p.h. after dark (this is common in many countries).
4. Introduce eyesight tests for all drivers and a full medical check-up for drivers over 65 and those who have had serious illnesses.
5. Provide money for local authorities for specific safety measures. We need better roadmarking, regular inspections of roads for potential hazards, especially dangerous potholes, better safety signs and more stringent controls of private contractors working on the roads. Above all we need a speedy repair service of faulty traffic-lights in towns and cities.
If these measures were attended to we might see a reduction of road deaths, particularly among pedestrians and cyclists. - Yours, etc.,
Glencormac, Bray, Co Wicklow.