Drivers in the UK will soon face stricter regulations regarding drink driving, seatbelt use, and eye examinations in a significant overhaul of road safety measures. The government is set to introduce a comprehensive road safety strategy aimed at reducing road fatalities and serious injuries by 65% overall and 70% for individuals under 16 by 2035.
As part of the proposed changes, drivers failing to wear seatbelts or ensuring children are safely belted will receive penalty points on their driver’s license. Additionally, there are considerations to lower the drink-driving limit and mandate convicted drink-drivers to have alcohol level testing devices in their vehicles before driving.
The new strategy includes the implementation of 18 advanced vehicle safety technologies such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keeping assistance. Road safety advocate Meera Naran MBE, who lost her son Dev in a car accident on a smart motorway, has been advocating for legislation like “Dev’s Law” to make AEB compulsory in all vehicles.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the importance of road safety, stating that every road fatality has a profound impact on families and communities. The government aims to make substantial progress in enhancing road safety through decisive actions outlined in the strategy.
The data reveals that drivers aged 17-24 are disproportionately involved in fatal and serious accidents despite forming a small percentage of license holders. To address this, young drivers may soon be required to undergo a minimum period of driving practice and experience driving in challenging conditions like night-time, adverse weather, and heavy traffic.
Moreover, there are plans to introduce mandatory eyesight tests for drivers aged 70 and above and potentially lower the drink drive limit in England and Wales. The government is also considering the use of alcohol interlock devices in vehicles to prevent driving while intoxicated, especially as a significant number of road fatalities involve drink driving.
The proposed measures will not specifically target mobile phone usage or speeding in the current strategy. However, the government intends to focus on combating illegal number plates, improving vehicle MOT compliance, and enhancing the safety of vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists and child pedestrians from deprived areas.
With the aim of reducing road casualties significantly, the new strategy is welcomed by road safety organizations like AA and IAM RoadSmart. These organizations highlight the importance of addressing key issues like drink driving, seatbelt non-compliance, and young driver safety to achieve the ambitious road safety targets set for 2035.