UNACCOMPANIED learner drivers have been involved in more than 150 fatal or serious road traffic collisions over the last five years.
The figures, released to Dublin Bay North TD Tommy Broughan (Ind), show there was a total of 156 collisions involving unaccompanied learner drivers during the period 2012 to 2016.
Of this total, unaccompanied learner drivers were involved in 42 fatal road traffic collisions.
Deputy Broughan sought the information on behalf of Promoting Awareness, Responsibility and Care on our Roads (PARC) as part of the work it has been undertaking in supporting families bereaved by road traffic accidents caused by unaccompanied learner drivers.
Deputy Broughan said the current spotlight on road safety and the need to improve it is very welcome.
“Myself and civil society organisations such as PARC have been calling for such focus and prioritisation for some time now,” he said.
“There are many areas of the enforcement of our road traffic legislation that must be scrutinised and improved and the involvement of unaccompanied learner drivers is certainly one such area.”
