Public survey on new Government road safety measures

UK drivers are backing the government’s proposed road safety strategy, as new research reveals strong public support for stricter rules for young, elderly and previously convicted motorists.

A recent survey of 1,000 British adults by Quotezone.co.uk found the majority believe tougher measures are needed to improve safety on UK roads.

The government’s first road safety strategy in over a decade, launched at the start of the year, is set to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035.*

This comes after a 2024 road casualties report revealed there were 29,467 killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties on Britain’s roads, averaging roughly 80 KSI casualties per day.**

Significant changes in the new strategy include consulting on a minimum learning period for new drivers, mandatory eyesight tests for over-70s, and exploring lower drink drive limits and tougher measures for drink drive offenders.

The survey revealed more than four in five respondents (83%) believe young drivers should complete a minimum learning period before taking to the road.

With drivers aged 17 to 24 involved in 24% of fatal and serious collisions,* the proposed three-to-six-month minimum learning period ensures inexperienced drivers have enough time to develop their skills and gain confidence before being allowed to drive independently.

Support was also strong for additional checks for older motorists. Over three-quarters (77%) of respondents said drivers aged over 70 should be required to undergo mandatory eyesight tests to ensure they meet the minimum legal vision standards.

This would replace the current system, which relies on older drivers reporting their medical conditions themselves. With 3000 people seriously injured each year due to drivers or riders with poor eyesight, these additional safety check could make a real difference.***

The survey also highlighted concern around repeat drunk driving offences. Nearly two-thirds of respondents (63%) said drivers previously convicted of drink driving should have a breathalyser fitted to their vehicle.

With the drink driving limit being 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in the UK, which is the highest in Europe,**** the new strategy would see it lowered to align with other nations.

Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk said: “With nearly 100 people killed or seriously injured every day on UK roads, it’s clear that improved road safety measures need to be introduced to help reduce the number of accidents and better protect all road users.

“Our survey revealed that Brits are very much on board with the changes proposed in the government’s new road safety strategy. With strong support for measures impacting learners, older drivers, and those with a history of drink driving, the message is clear – the public wants action.

“For young drivers, the idea of a minimum learning period reflects the need for better preparation before driving independently, allowing them to get used to different driving conditions, such as adverse weather and heavy traffic.

“When it comes to older motorists, regular eyesight checks are seen by many as a practical way to ensure vision standards are being met, rather than relying solely on self-reporting.

“Concern around repeat drink driving is also clear. Support for in-car breathalysers suggests that many drivers are keen for preventative tools to reduce the risk of reoffending.

“These findings offer a useful insight into current public attitudes and may help inform ongoing discussions around how to develop the road safety policy going forward.

“With safer driving also comes the chance to help people financially, if accident statistics decline, the hope is that car insurance premiums will follow suit. Lower incidents, especially across vulnerable groups such as young or elderly drivers, could make driving more affordable for these typically high risk motorists.”

As a price comparison site, Quotezone helps over 4 million people every year to compare and find savings on their car insurance. 

References:
Quotezone’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during February 2026, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.

References:
*https://www.gov.uk/government/news/thousands-of-lives-to-be-saved-under-bold-new-road-safety-strategy
**https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-annual-report-2024/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-annual-report-2024#overall-casualties-and-rates
***https://www.driving.org/major-new-study-finds-720000-motorists-driving-on-britains-roads-with-defective-eyesight/
****https://etsc.eu/issues/drink-driving/blood-alcohol-content-bac-drink-driving-limits-across-europe/