Drivers in the UK are set to encounter stricter regulations concerning drink driving, seatbelt usage, and eye examinations in a significant overhaul of road safety protocols. The government is poised to introduce a comprehensive road safety strategy aimed at reducing road fatalities and serious injuries by 65% overall and by 70% for individuals under the age of 16 by the year 2035.
As part of the new measures, drivers could receive penalty points on their driver’s license for not wearing a seatbelt or neglecting to ensure that children are buckled up. Moreover, there is a possibility of lowering the drink-driving limit, with convicted offenders potentially being required to install alcohol level testing devices in their vehicles before driving.
The strategy also includes the implementation of 18 new vehicle safety technologies, such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keeping assistance. Notably, road safety advocate Meera Naran MBE, whose son Dev tragically lost his life in a car accident on a smart motorway in 2018, has been advocating for what is known as Dev’s Law, which would mandate the inclusion of AEB in all vehicles.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the importance of the new strategy in enhancing road safety, stating that every road-related fatality has a profound impact on families and communities. The data indicates that young drivers aged 17-24 are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal and serious accidents, despite constituting only 6% of license holders. To address this issue, there may be requirements for young drivers to undergo extended driving training and experience in various conditions.
Furthermore, the government is considering measures to assess the feasibility of reducing the drink drive limit in England and Wales, which has remained unchanged since 1967 and is notably higher than in other European countries like Scotland. The plan may involve utilizing alcohol interlock devices to prevent individuals who have consumed alcohol above the legal limit from driving.
In addition, the strategy will focus on combatting illegal practices such as fraudulent number plates and cracking down on uninsured drivers. Vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists and child pedestrians from deprived areas, will also receive attention to reduce their heightened risk of road accidents.
The government aims to significantly reduce road casualties by 2035, with an estimated potential of saving thousands of lives annually. Various organizations and experts in road safety have expressed support for the new strategy, highlighting its comprehensive approach to enhancing safety for all road users.