Britain is set to introduce stricter regulations on drink driving, seatbelt usage, and eye tests in a significant overhaul of road safety measures. The government aims to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries by 65% overall and by 70% for individuals under 16 by 2035.
As part of the comprehensive plan, drivers will face penalty points for not wearing seatbelts or neglecting to ensure children are properly restrained. Additionally, there may be a reduction in the drink-driving limit, and convicted offenders could be required to install 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 tragically lost her son Dev in a car accident on a smart motorway in 2018, has long campaigned for legislation like “Dev’s Law” mandating AEB in all vehicles.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the importance of these measures, stating that every road fatality is a tragedy with far-reaching impacts. The government’s commitment to enhancing road safety represents a crucial turning point in this endeavor.
Efforts will also focus on addressing the high rate of fatal and serious collisions involving young drivers aged 17-24, who are overrepresented in such incidents. Moreover, there are plans to introduce mandatory eyesight tests for drivers aged 70 and above and explore lowering the drink drive limit.
Other key areas of the strategy include combating illegal number plates, enhancing safety for vulnerable road users like motorcyclists and child pedestrians, and promoting ongoing road safety education and training. If the targets set for 2035 are achieved, the anticipated reduction in road-related deaths and injuries could be substantial.
Stakeholders in the road safety sector, such as the AA and IAM RoadSmart, have expressed support for the government’s ambitious strategy, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach encompassing behavior, training, technology, and enforcement to ensure safer roads for all users.
