A driver recently stopped by police needed eight attempts to provide a breath sample, highlighting the extreme danger of impaired driving. The incident, reported after concerned citizens witnessed near-misses on the M4 motorway, underscores a growing push for stricter road safety measures.
Experts believe current drink-drive limits aren’t enough to deter the most reckless offenders. While lowering the limit is debated, there’s strong support for alcolock technology – devices that prevent vehicles from starting if alcohol is detected – as a proven life-saving measure. Public backing for this technology is remarkably high.
A particularly vulnerable group on the roads are young and newly qualified drivers. Despite representing only 6% of all license holders, they are involved in nearly 25% of fatal and serious crashes. This alarming statistic is driving consideration of a minimum learning period for new drivers.
The proposed minimum learning period wouldn’t be measured in lessons, but in actual hours spent driving after passing the test. The goal is to expose new drivers to a wider range of challenging conditions – night driving, adverse weather, and heavy traffic – building crucial skills and confidence.
However, one grieving mother believes more drastic action is needed. Crystal Owen, whose 17-year-old son Harvey died in a car crash with friends, welcomes the learning period proposal but argues it doesn’t go far enough to protect young drivers.
“It is utter madness that a child of 17 can currently have a handful of lessons, pass a test, and immediately be responsible for other people’s lives,” Owen stated, passionately advocating for a graduated licensing system. She emphasized the critical role of peer pressure in these tragedies.
Owen’s plea centers on restricting young drivers from carrying passengers their own age for a period after obtaining their license. Evidence from other countries demonstrates this measure dramatically reduces accidents and fatalities by removing a dangerous social dynamic.
“This is about protection, not punishment,” Owen explained, her voice filled with pain. “I died the day my son was killed in a totally avoidable crash.” Her story is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of inaction.
Alongside measures targeting young drivers, authorities are also focusing on the safety of older road users. Plans are underway to introduce mandatory eyesight tests for drivers at age 70, followed by regular tests every three years.
Currently, drivers are responsible for self-reporting any vision changes, a system widely considered unreliable. Experts warn that declining eyesight is a significant factor in accidents involving older drivers, particularly those over 80.
Cognitive testing for older drivers is also being considered, recognizing that mental acuity is just as important as physical ability when operating a vehicle. The AA president, Edmund King, supports these measures, noting the increased crash risk for drivers over 70.
Free eye tests are already available for those over 60, and healthcare professionals routinely recommend them every two years, not only for driving safety but also for early detection of other health conditions. These changes represent a comprehensive effort to improve road safety for all.
