By Richard King, Ticker founder and CEO
The government’s upcoming road safety strategy was announced today and is being billed as the biggest legislative change for drivers in decades. From what we’ve heard so far, there are some welcome changes on the table:
1. Mandatory eye tests for over-70s every three years when they renew their driving licence
2. Lowering the drink-drive limit for England, Wales and Northern Ireland to match Scotland’s
3. Enabling police to use roadside oral swab data in court to aid drug-driving prosecution
4. Points for drivers who allow passengers not to wear seatbelts
However, for a strategy that aims to be transformational, there is a glaring and disappointing omission: any mention of a proper Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with telematics insurance.
For young drivers, the most catastrophic crashes happen when a car is full of their friends. It’s one of the biggest risk factors, and while this strategy does address the terrifying trend of young passengers not wearing seatbelts, it does nothing to prevent the crash in the first place.
The UK needs a phased approach that protects against the highest-risk behaviours until a driver has more experience. The tool to make GDL work is telematics insurance – a tried and tested technological solution. A large majority of new drivers (73%1) choose telematics insurance for the financial benefits and peace of mind for their parents, so the market has already voted.
The proposed changes are a start but we urge the government to look at the evidence, listen to the experts and recognise the solutions that are already working.
“Technology has a vital role to play in making our roads safer. For young people starting their driving journey, telematics provides invaluable, objective feedback that helps build good habits for life. A system that empowers drivers of any age with the information they need to be safer is a hugely positive step towards reducing casualties on UK roads.”Adrian Walsh
Director of RoadSafe
1Confused.com car insurance price index, January to December 2024
