Christy Parker reviews the weekly Garda report

Provisional licence holders driving unaccompanied by a fully qualified driver can expect to be prosecuted in the coming weeks, according to Youghal gardai. Sergeant Orla Coughlan told listeners to Community Radio Youghal that young males continue to dominate car accident statistics, adding that the figures would also feature single females. Against that background, she said, students returning to school would be on provisional licences and that the busier roads and shortening days coinciding with this time of year heralded increased danger on the roads. “We will stop unaccompanied drivers,” she stated

Uninsured:

The sergeant stressed that Provisional drivers must display L’ plates and that an accompanying driver should be qualified by at least two years, be below the legal alcohol limit and be drug-free. She said unaccompanied Provisional licence holders are effectively not insured at all as, “it gives the insurers an opt-out clause in the case of an accident.” She also stressed that “the speed limits are not a target” and that learner drivers should not aspire to reach them. Again in reference to the impending winter months, the garda asked that drivers be particularly alert for pedestrians and cyclists who, in turn, should wear reflective clothing.

Drug driving:

Sergeant Coughlan said that the current increase in random breath testing will continue for some time yet. Beyond alcohol detection, they are intended to target criminals generally, she added. The sergeant explained that while breath tests do not detect drug usage, if a garda suspected a driver had used drugs he could demand a blood or urine sample. The minimum disqualification for drink or drug/driving now is one year, raised from three months.

Tyres:

The sergeant drew attention the high rate of un-roadworthy tyres being detected and warned that the winter weather will greatly exacerbate their danger. Non-display of NCT discs has become increasingly prevalent also, she said and gardai will impound such cars. “Proof of having applied for the test should be carried with you,” she added. Impounding is also likely to result where car tax has expired by over two months.

Big increase in shoplifting:

Off the road, the past week had been relatively quiet, Sergeant Coughlan reported, with a number of drug searches unearthing only a few minor infringements. However, shoplifting has increased dramatically. She urged shopkeepers to report suspicious activity and to “follow a customer round the shop” if concerned enough.
The sergeant said that CCTV is very effective both for detection and deterrent and urged shopkeepers to install it. “Even the dummy ones are quite good at dissuading criminals,” she added.

Retired gardai

Sergeant Coughlan concluded her report with several notices:
1) A retirement function for recently retired garda Pat Grace will be held at the Walter Raleigh Hotel on Sunday Sept 13th. The night will include a four-course meal, dj and live band. Tickets, @ €26 are available from Youghal garda station (024) 92200. The sergeant said Garda Pat O’Leary is also retiring but that both men are being replaced. ”We are losing experience but gaining youth,” she promised, in wishing the retired members the very best.

2) Youghal Community Alert’s monthly meetings will resume on Tuesday September 1st, in the Walter Raleigh Hotel at 8pm.

3) Bereavements and suicide:
A new website, established by the HSE is aimed at all bereavement issues with particular emphasis on suicide and suicide prevention. “It contains a lot of practical information.” said Sergeant Coughlan. The web address is: www.nosp.ie