Sir, – On my way to vote on Friday I was nearly knocked down by an e-scooter whizzing around the corner at speed, its owner having disregarded the stop sign.
I also read in Friday’s paper that doctors are seeking tougher e-scooter regulations due to the rise in injuries (“Doctors call for regulations as e-scooter injuries present ‘growing challenge to healthcare’”, News, October 24th).
This is not the first time that legislation has failed to keep up with technical progress. Two other examples would be the slow reaction to control the widespread use of vapes among teenagers, whose lungs and brains have not fully developed, and the seeming total unpreparedness to tackle the worst effects of artificial intelligence.
We can be sure there will be many more such threats to humanity. Perhaps the powers that be could set up an expert “Over the Horizon” group within a department that could investigate such innovations as soon as they arise, and make recommendations to Government to adequately protect the public from the worst dangers that might lie ahead.
RM Block
In some instances, they could recommend the use of the precautionary principle, a well-known tool in environmental circles. Using this principle, products can be prevented from sale and distribution to the public, until those proposing their use can prove they do not pose a threat to society. – Yours, etc,
BOBBY CARTY,
Templeogue,
Dublin 6W.
