To reduce traffic fatalities, driving instructors are advocating for a “massive overhaul” of learner driver education, reports Breaking News.
Dominic Brophy, the director of the Professional Driving Instructors Association (PDIA), stated: “With 110 fatalities on Irish roads already this year, significant changes must be made to enhance driver safety, and that begins with how learners are instructed.
“As teachers, we see Ireland’s driving standards on a regular basis, and they are just unacceptable.
“The Road Safety Authority currently require learners to complete 12 hours of Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons, and although sponsor hours are recommended, they are not mandatory,” reports Breaking News.
According to Mr. Brophy, they are suggesting that the minimum number of EDT lessons needed be increased to thirty hours, and that designated sponsor training be made mandatory as a step in the learner driver program.
While many students continue to attend lessons and have faith in their driving teacher, many learner drivers end their sessions after 12 EDT and then apply for their test.
“So what? In the meanwhile, they could need to renew their learner permit if they fail the exam, reapply, and wait months for the test.
“This cycle adds to the driving test backlog, an increased amount of time and administrative work within the NDLS, and most worryingly, keeps low-skill, low-safety drivers on the road,” Mr Brophy stated, reports Breaking News.
He said the PDIA had made multiple requests to meet with the Minister for Transport so they can present their proposals, but they have been constantly ignored.
Mr Brophy said the Department of Transport continues to look to the RSA for answers, but he said “the RSA aren’t the ones on the road every single day seeing what we do.”
“Big changes are needed in Ireland, and we at the PDIA are ready and willing to play a big part in making that happen. All we need is for the Dept. of Transport and the RSA to listen to us. Surely that’s not too big of an ask, when lives are being lost every week?” Mr Brophy said, rbn
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