Presbyterian Moderator Dr David Clarke has described the death toll on our roads as "appalling" but has questioned whether "society as a whole is concerned enough to do something about it."
Dr Clarke made his remarks addressing the Northern Ireland Road Safety Council Annual Service held today, Sunday 8 October, in St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh.
"We will all agree that the loss of life on our roads, and the shattering impact of road accidents on our community and our economy is totally unacceptable; but if so, are we prepared to do something about it?" he said.
"All of us here to-day are serious about this problem; but I genuinely question whether society as a whole is as concerned as we feel it ought to be."
Describing one aspect of a car as a "lethal weapon" the Moderator continued, "When behind the wheel we should remember that a car,--slick, comfortable, and convenient, and creating a 'wow factor' for admirers--is also a lethal weapon. Such a weapon should only be handled with due care and attention. And that requires patience; allowing ourselves enough time to make that projected journey, and being patient with other road users."
Dr Clarke then outlined three things which he considered should be addressed 'if we were serious about road safety.'
"If we were serious about road safety, we would be challenging the drink culture in our society. PSNI statistics show that the two principal causes of road deaths were excessive speed with regard to the circumstance---which is sheer thoughtlessness-- and the impact of alcohol or drugs.
"A few weeks ago, an advisory body on dangerous drugs recommended making adjustments to the permitted alcohol levels for younger drivers, and was immediately rebutted by a junior minister who stated that the government had no plans to make any alteration. What point is there, one might ask, in having advisory bodies?
"If we were serious about road safety, we would radically examine insurance options. Representatives of the insurance industry suggested a fortnight ago that young drivers should be required to undertake a full year of driving instruction; and they contended that such a restriction would reduce road deaths by over 500 per annum in the United Kingdom. Yet the suggestion was met with a chorus of disapproval. The insurers are to be commended for that initiative; but we might also question whether a person under say age 25 should be allowed to insure a car above a certain engine size. And should we not also be asking the fundamental question about the age at which it is appropriate to begin to drive?
"If we were serious about road safety, we would be challenging conceptions of what responsible parenting involves. Some parents seem to imagine that love for their young person is best demonstrated by providing them with their own high-performance car, to impress their peers and to allow them to indulge their Michael Schumacher fantasies. Statistics show that male drivers, aged 17-24 are almost four times more likely than other groups, to cause death or serious injury to themselves and others. There is something in the male psyche which at that age fails to take account of risks."
Concluding his address Dr Clarke urged everyone apply his comments to themselves. "This service will be of little significance if we do not resolve to be better drivers, and more thoughtful road users. Let's resolve to be good roles models for those with whom we have any influence, and so live out our duty to love God and our neighbour."
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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