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 simply lowering the legal drink-drive limit won’t deter the most reckless offenders. Instead, focus is shifting towards technologies like alcolocks – devices that prevent vehicles from starting if a driver’s breath alcohol level is too high. These systems have a proven track record of saving lives globally and enjoy strong public support.
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 three friends, welcomes the learning period proposal but argues it doesn’t go far enough. She passionately advocates for a graduated licensing system.
“A minimum learning period is a start, but it leaves out the single most effective protection for young drivers,” Owen stated, her voice filled with pain. “International evidence shows restricting peer passengers for the first six months after passing a test dramatically reduces deaths and serious injuries.”
Owen’s plea centers on the immense peer pressure faced by young drivers. A law restricting passengers provides a clear, enforceable boundary, far more effective than relying on a parent’s permission. “It’s about protection, not punishment,” she emphasized, her grief palpable.
“I died the day my son was killed in a totally avoidable crash,” Owen confessed, a heartbreaking testament to the devastating consequences of road accidents. “You can raise your child well and still lose them to a car full of mates.”
Beyond young drivers, concerns are also rising about the safety of older motorists. Plans are underway to introduce mandatory eyesight tests for drivers at age 70, followed by regular tests every three years. Currently, drivers are solely responsible for self-reporting any vision changes – a system prone to abuse.
Cognitive testing for older drivers is also being considered, acknowledging the increasing number of seniors on the road and the potential impact of age-related cognitive decline. Experts point to a marked increase in crash risk for drivers over 70, peaking at age 86, with eyesight often playing a significant role.
The AA president, Edmund King, supports the proposed changes, noting that regular eye tests are already recommended and can also aid in the diagnosis of other health conditions. These measures represent a comprehensive effort to address road safety concerns across all age groups.
