Drivers in the UK will soon face stricter regulations on drink driving, seatbelt usage, and eye examinations as part of a significant overhaul of road safety measures. The government is set to announce a new road safety strategy aimed at reducing road fatalities and serious injuries by 65% overall and 70% for individuals under 16 by the year 2035.
As part of the proposed changes, drivers could receive penalty points on their license for not wearing seatbelts or neglecting to ensure children are properly restrained. Additionally, there may be a reduction in the drink-driving limit, with convicted offenders potentially required to install alcohol 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. Safety advocate Meera Naran MBE, who tragically lost her son in a car accident on a smart motorway, has long advocated for legislation mandating the use of AEB in all vehicles, known as Dev’s Law.
In response to the upcoming changes, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the importance of improving road safety to prevent devastating accidents. The government aims to address the disproportionate involvement of young drivers in fatal collisions by proposing extended training periods and specific driving conditions for novice drivers.
Moreover, measures targeting elderly drivers may include mandatory eyesight tests and the development of cognitive assessment options. The government plans to consult on potentially lowering the drink drive limit in England and Wales, which has remained unchanged since 1967 and is currently the highest in Europe.
Other planned initiatives involve addressing issues such as illegal number plates, vehicle MOT compliance, and uninsured drivers. The focus will also be on vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists and child pedestrians from deprived areas, to reduce the risks they face on the roads.
By implementing these comprehensive road safety measures, the government aims to significantly reduce the number of road fatalities and serious injuries in the UK, with the support of various stakeholders and safety advocates who have welcomed the proposed changes.