In Reply to: re: no road markings at christ church junction posted by oliver killeen on February 09, 2010 at 14:22:00:

I have to agree with Oliver - there is no way that Irish drivers are the worst in the world - they even aren't the worst in Europe as anyone who has driven in Southern Europe would testify.

By saying they are not the worst, in no way implies we (I) think the standard of driving is acceptable or can't be changed.

But we need a change in the views of the media and people's own views. Reading national print media you would beleive drink driving and speed been the only problem on the Irish roads. People vilify the Gardai if they pull over a driver for minor driving offences when it is the drivers responsibility to have his/her vehicle road worthy. On your route home tonight count the number of cars with either one light (front or rear), not using indicators, inappropriate speed, tailgating, crossing solid white lines, driving in the hard shoulder (a favourite on the N5 - drivers it is a hard shoulder, which means it is not a place for slow moving vehicles, but a place for broken down vehicles!).

But until we as a society accept Gardai are right to enforce these particular laws (which should be accompanied by fines - €60-100), it would change.

To quote a driver who I berated during the bad snow for a) driving in the hard shoulder (wrong way) and b) with only one taillight

"Ah sure isn't it grand - I always drive here. And I am turning right up ahead anyway" With that logic, I can see why you would question the quality of Irish drivers.