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Road safety: it’s something we take for granted when we get behind the wheel of our car. Fewer than 2,000 people die on UK roads every year, a figure that has remained consistent since 2012 – and a figure that has dropped precipitously since the 1990s.
The upshot is that UK roads are now some of the safest in the world, the result of a consistent and concerted attempt to reduce the chance of driver error while tightening the criteria for driving altogether.
In the article to follow, we’re going to pinpoint the four biggest difference-makers: each is weighted against the number of cars in circulation at the time the law was passed. The data is courtesy of tyre specialists ATS Euromaster, and you can read the full report by checking out the hyperlink to the left.
1. The introduction of the driving test (1935)
In 1934, you could drive a car without taking a test. During the summer of 1935, it became mandatory to prove you could indeed drive. After meeting an instructor at a public place – a result of the fact there were no testing centres – you took off from a hill, performed a three-point turn, reversed the car and proved you could stop in an emergency.
As anyone who has taken a test in modern times will confirm, things have changed quite a bit since. The test is far more involved, and you don’t even take to the roads until you’ve sat a theory exam (this, incidentally, was only introduced in 1996).
As of 2017, drivers are now asked to follow a satnav correctly during the examination.
2. Tighter drink driving laws (1967)
The 1967 Road Safety Act has been so successful, that the drink driving limit hasn’t changed since. Today, as it was in the late ’60s, it is an offence to drive any vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration in excess of 80mg per 100ml of blood. That’s two or three drinks an hour before setting off if you’re a large male – but far less if you’re the opposite sex. One major contributing factor? The amount of body weight you’re carrying. Of course, if you’re unsure, we suggest you don’t drive under the influence of any amount of alcohol – no matter how small. In today’s world, it’s often the best bet to simply order an Uber.
3 & 4. Indicators (1975) and seatbelts (1983) introduced
Indicators were introduced in 1975 and saw road fatalities drop by 8.1% on the previous year. Way back when, people used hand signals to show where they were going, while rudimentary “trafficators” filled the void after this point.
Seatbelts became a legal requirement to wear in 1983 (they had appeared in cars prior to this, but had never been something enforceable by law) and ensured fatalities dropped by 9% on the previous year.
5. Pass Plus practical training course unveiled (1995)
The Pass Plus test can be taken at any time after you pass your practical exam, but is best suited to new drivers who have been using a car on UK roads for a year or less.
The test takes about 6 hours – and yes, you can fail it. You’ll be assessed on your ability to navigate motorways, dual carriageways, rural roads and built-up areas. You’ll also need to demonstrate you are capable handling a car at night and through all types of weather.
The introduction of the Pass Plus test made a measurable difference to the safety of UK roads, and is ranked fifth overall by impact. To discover the laws that rank 6-10, head over to the full ATS campaign for more.
