New compulsory emergency packs for cars should include glass breaking hammer – Rock

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North West, Noel Rock has called on the Minister for Transport to include a glass breaking hammer in the compulsory breakdown packs, which are being proposed for all vehicles.

“As part of the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020, it is proposed to make it compulsory for a breakdown emergency pack including a first aid kit, a high visibility vest, a breakdown triangle and a torch to be carried in all vehicles.

“I would now call on the Minister to include a glass breaking hammer in the packs, like those seen on public buses.

“The average cost for the packs would be in the region of €40. It is envisioned that the costs will be covered by manufacturers and dealers in new cars and by private sellers of second hand cars.

“To include a glass breaking hammer in the pack would only raise the average cost by approximately €5. I think this is a small price to pay for a driver to plan ahead and stay safe on our roads.

“I believe these emergency packs would go a long way towards improving safety at roadside collisions and we should be moving forward with their introduction as soon as possible.

“To ensure this is enforced I believe that, after a grace period, the Government should impose fines on those who do not include these packs in their vehicles, as it should be the driver’s responsibility to ensure that they carry this pack in their vehicle at all times.”