Time to put brakes on madness

Reading the English chap’s letter last week (‘Lawless driving on M1’, ‘Sunday Independent’, April 29) on driving standards in Ireland, I could only concur totally with him.

Living in Tuam, Co Galway, and observing the driving standards – a very loose term indeed in Ireland – while walking, cycling and driving it is quite clear why insurance costs are so high.

Mobile phone usage behind the wheel is now an epidemic.

In Tuam I regularly see a squad car parked up on double yellow lines and on the footpath with other cars.

Is this indicative of Garda interest in enforcing basic laws?

Driving the new motorway from Tuam to Galway, approximately two in 10 drivers signal when changing lanes.

The Rathmorrissy Interchange has a two-lane roundabout on which the inner lane is never, ever used irrespective of the exit.

Traffic cops, the lesser-spotted species, are as rare as competent drivers on these routes.

Drivers of all ages I encounter genuinely do not seem to know basic rules of signalling and lane discipline.

Perhaps the German model of driving schools, which the would-be driver has to attend to earn his/her

licence, would be an option. Strict enforcement of all laws –including parking, speeding, phone-using idiots – would focus minds.

Sort it out, Transport Minister Shane Ross.

There is no need for this. Educate, enforce and stop this motorway madness. Rodger Waters Tuam, Co Galway