Government must address the most difficult road safety problem - people
IAM RoadSmart urges the Government and the road safety industry to work closely together to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on UK roads.
At IAM RoadSmart we are convinced we make better drivers and riders and we aim to inspire all road users to be the best they can be through our advanced courses, business programmes and introductory sessions.
Human factors remain the top cause of crashes on our roads and any new government must commit to addressing that most difficult of road safety problems – people! This is why our manifesto rates distraction and the transition to driverless cars as the key research challenge for road safety in the next parliament. Yes, driverless cars will deliver safer roads but they are still 20 to 30 years away in terms of domination on every street.
At IAM RoadSmart we have pulled together a range of road safety and industry bodies to form a consortium. The aim is to promote a small but important range of issues together so that the ‘power of partnership’ can be brought to bear on the new government. We were all set to launch it when the election was called, so watch this space later in the year for more details.
As ever with IAM RoadSmart our emphasis is on practical solutions and policies that address the key issues. Issues such as the complete lack of information and advice for older drivers as they plan to live without the car. Their numbers will rocket in the years ahead and keeping them safe and mobile has enormous benefits for individuals and society alike. Our suggestion is that doctors be encouraged to ‘prescribe’ a driving review so that drivers, and their families, can be confident that the years are not catching up with them.
We also highlight road safety at work as a critical health and safety issue that requires higher priority and one which should be at the core of good corporate governance for every company. Making informed procurement choices is also vital, with the manifesto supporting new cross-government buying rules which accelerate the uptake of safe new vehicles with features such as autonomous braking.
The driving test has come a long way but is still restricted by time and cost concerns. The research is clear – the more experience you have as a learner the safer you will be in the long run. That’s why we support a 12 month minimum learning period for new drivers. Several other quick wins are also available to any new administration – top of these being a reduction in the drink-drive limit in England and Wales, matching that already in place for Scotland. And, for as long as our members keep telling us it’s a big problem, we will continue to press for protected long term funding to eradicate the pothole backlog.
You can read IAM RoadSmart's key asks for the Government here
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