In the UK, the government is on the verge of radical road safety deregulation. The first of these could be reintroducing a lower drink-drive limit across England and Wales. This step would bring the country in line with Scotland as well as other European countries. The drink-drive limit is now 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath. Future rules are slated to reduce this threshold to 22 micrograms.
The need for this amendment has become even more urgent, given the new and shocking statistics on drink-driving. Over the last ten years, drink-driving related deaths have increased by nearly a third—32 percent. Indeed, 2022 hit a tragic milestone, with the deadliest year in 13 years. In 2023, traffic collisions throughout Great Britain killed 1,633 people. On top of that, almost 28,000 individuals suffered life-changing injuries that year.
The Scottish government is proposing a reduction in the drink-drive limit. In addition to this, they’re considering mandatory eye tests for people aged over 70 wanting to drive. Under the new regulations, these tests may become mandatory every three years. However, if an older driver does not pass the required eye test, they may be banned from driving. This initiative comes as the UK remains one of only three European countries relying on self-reporting for eyesight issues that affect driving capabilities.
Nicholas Lyes, the director of policy and standards at the road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, emphasized the importance of these measures. He stated, “Vision checks for older drivers and targeting drink and drug drivers were practical steps that can make a real difference.” Lyes further acknowledged that many older drivers are still healthy and able to drive well, but as medical conditions develop, operator performance can become impaired.
The new road safety strategy for the UK is due to come out this autumn. Every single proposal proposed here in this strategy will be subject to a public consultation to receive burgeoning public input.
“The time has come for a bold and proactive approach to road safety. This strategy is much overdue as road deaths have plateaued over the last decade.” – Edmund King, AA’s president.
…while deaths or serious injuries on roads have remained flat. This comes on the heels of a major drop that took place from 2000-2010. With the government’s recent focus on revising road safety measures, stakeholders hope these changes will provide renewed momentum in making roads safer for all users.
As Lyes noted, it was a big omission. He stressed that we need to place the most stringent limitations on new drivers who are carrying passengers of a like age. This underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to protect all aspects of our roadways.
A Labour source expressed concern over the current situation: “In no other circumstance would we accept 1,600 people dying, with thousands more seriously injured, costing the NHS more than £2bn per year.” This emphasizes the urgent imperative for reform in federal road safety policy.