As the UK Government’s new Road Safety Strategy is awaited, GEM are hopeful for real change. Current road safety policies no longer adequately address the significant causes of road deaths and injuries. GEM Motoring Assist sees this as a vital opportunity for effective leadership that prioritises lives over political points…
Gem Motoring Assist has put forward these six actionable ideas for the Government to consider…
Eyesight Testing
Drivers only confirm their eyesight when renewing licences up to age 70. We recommend mandatory professional eyesight tests at 70 and every three years thereafter, with general drivers also tested every ten years. This would help identify vision issues before they pose risks.
Graduated Licensing for New Drivers
Countries like New Zealand and Canada demonstrate that graduated driver licensing (GDL) lowers accidents among new drivers. Implementing a GDL system in the UK could include supervised driving, passenger limits, and a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol, creating a safer start for young drivers.
Seat Belt Offences
Seat belts save lives, but a quarter of car occupants killed in crashes weren’t wearing them. We propose treating not wearing a seatbelt as a three-point offence, with a substantial fine, to shift attitudes and emphasise the importance of buckling up, as in successful measures in other European countries.
Drink-Drive Limit and Roadside Testing
The drink-drive limit in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales is higher than in most European countries, with only Malta and Liechtenstein sharing this elevated level. Scotland’s 2014 approach demonstrates that aligning science and policy with safety can enhance enforcement and minimise delays. Roadside breath tests, already employed in Ireland and Australia, should be introduced to ensure swift justice.
Drug Driving Tests
The current process for drug-driving enforcement is delayed by lengthy toxicology reports. Modern saliva testing kits can provide immediate and reliable results, enhancing deterrence and trust in the system.
Immediate License Withdrawal for Failed Tests
Drivers failing breath or drug tests should have their licenses revoked immediately, safeguarding the public and deterring repeat offences. Suspending licences while awaiting court outcomes sends a clear message that driving under the influence is unacceptable.
GEM advocates for evidence-based, practical proposals to improve road safety and support the Vision Zero concept, which aims for zero deaths or serious injuries. Through dedicated policymaking, these measures can save lives and reduce the grief caused by road accidents. The upcoming road safety strategy offers an opportunity for progress, and we must have the courage to take action.
HAVE YOUR SAY; Tell us what you, as a UK driver, feel? Let us know in comments…
- You can also visit the Gem Motoring Assist website here: http://www.motoringassist.com/
FAQ’s…
Why is GEM Motoring Assist advocating for mandatory eyesight testing after age 70?
GEM Motoring Assist recommends compulsory professional eyesight tests at age 70 and then every three years to detect vision problems early and lower the risk of accidents caused by poor sight.
What are the benefits of implementing graduated licensing for new drivers in the UK?
Implementing graduated licensing in the UK, as seen in countries like New Zealand and Canada, would involve supervised driving, passenger limits, and zero alcohol tolerance, which can significantly reduce accidents among young new drivers.
Why does GEM suggest treating not wearing a seatbelt as a three-point offence?
GEM recommends this change to highlight the importance of seatbelt use, since a quarter of car occupants killed in crashes were not wearing them, and increasing penalties could boost compliance, as demonstrated in other European countries.
How could lowering the drink-drive limit and introducing roadside testing improve road safety?
Lowering the drink-drive limit to match most European countries and implementing roadside breath tests would improve enforcement, enable faster justice, and discourage impaired driving.
What advancements are proposed for drug driving enforcement in the UK?
Modern saliva testing kits that deliver immediate and trustworthy results are suggested to replace slow toxicology reports, enhancing enforcement and boosting deterrence against drug-driving.
