Introducing driver re-education courses could have a ‘serious impact’ on reducing the number of road deaths, an expert has predicted. 

The Department of Transport is drawing up proposals to make Ireland a safer place to drive and is considering speed awareness courses as an alternative to penalty points. 

In Britain, drivers caught breaking the speed limit can pay to take a National Speed Awareness Course instead of recieving points on their licence. 

The course takes three hours and is designed to help drivers “expand their understanding of speed limits and recognise the negative consequences of speeding”. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, driving instructor Brenda Bolger said it could cut the number of deaths on the road. 

“It’s proven statistically to have a serious impact on reducing road collisions and fatalities,” she said. 

“So, I think if we do bring it in, if it’s done right and it’s done well, it will have a very positive impact on our roads.” 

A Garda road safety initiative. Photo: Eamonn Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Ms Bolger said penalty points have proven to be an ineffective punishment for people who regularly speed. 

“If you’re someone who is consistently speeding, it’s a behaviour - it’s not a knowledge gap,” she said. 

“Giving someone a fine or penalty points is not changing behaviour, it’s a minor inconvenience for a short period of time. 

“But education has proven, time and again, in every arena to have the greatest impact. 

“I think if we start to educate drivers on the impacts of their behaviours and the consequences of their behaviours, it’s going to be much better going forward.” 

Gardaí policing the roads in Kildare. Photo: Eamonn Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Ms Bolger admitted that “not everyone in that classroom” would heed the advice on the course and said some might have to repeat the course in order for it to “hit home”. 

She added that making sure the “right” course is delivered will be key. 

“If it’s going to be something that’s online for a two-hour course and you press play on a few videos, you’re going to go back about your business,” she predicted.

“There’s an awful lot that needs to be done correctly and I’d rather see it delayed than having it rolled out, so long as we were rolling out the right thing to have the correct impact.” 

Last year, 174 people died on Irish roads.

Main image: A Garda speaking to a motorist. Picture by: David Creedon / Alamy Live News.