How’s My Driving? - Safe Driving Blog Tips

The road safety community in the UK is stepping up its campaign to make our roads safer. More than 50 organisations, including key players like Brake, Honda, AXA, and the RAC, are calling for mandatory safety features in all new cars sold across the UK. These life-saving technologies, such as advanced emergency braking systems and driver-drowsiness detection, could drastically reduce the number of road accidents and fatalities.
But the questions are: will manufactures install these new safety features? Are drivers willing to pay more for these features? And what impact could they have on road safety in the UK?
Road safety advocates argue that mandatory safety features in new vehicles could transform how we approach driving in the UK. With cutting-edge technology now readily available, these features can prevent accidents before they happen, reducing the risk of injury and saving lives.
One of the most widely supported features is advanced emergency braking (known as AEB). This system uses sensors to detect a potential collision and automatically applies the brakes if the driver doesn’t respond in time. Another game-changing feature is driver-drowsiness detection, which essentially monitors the driver’s alertness and provides warnings when fatigue is detected, helping to avoid accidents caused by drowsy driving – a significant cause of crashes on UK roads.
The Statistics
According to research, 63% of UK drivers have expressed that they would be willing to pay more for cars with built in safety features that protect themselves and their passengers. This is a strong indication that drivers value safety and are eager for solutions that offer enhanced protection on the roads.
The UK has made strides in road safety over the years, but there is always room for improvement. In 2022, there were over 1,500 reported fatalities on UK roads, with many of these accidents deemed preventable. Introducing mandatory safety technology in vehicles could play a major role in reducing these numbers and making the roads a safer place for all.
The Role of Fleet Managers in Promoting Safer Roads
Fleet managers, who oversee large volumes of vehicles, can play a pivotal role in embracing and advocating for mandatory safety features. Equipping fleet vehicles with advanced technologies not only protects drivers but also ensures a safer working environment and reduces insurance costs.
By adopting these new technologies early, fleet operators can set an example for others in the logistics industry, leading the charge in making UK roads safer.
Fleet managers should consider:
- · Investing in safety-focused technologies for all vehicles in their fleets, even before legislation requires it.
- · Educating drivers on the importance of these features and how to best use them for increased safety.
- · Monitoring driver performance using technologies such as driver-drowsiness detection and providing interventions when necessary.
- · Embed these technologies with your existing road risk support like How’s My Driving? road safety sticker service.
A Worthwhile Investment
The debate around whether the UK government should mandate safety features in all new cars continues. With so many major organisations, from road safety charities to insurance giants, pushing for this change, it seems only a matter of time before these regulations come into force. For UK drivers, the message is clear: paying a little more for advanced safety features is a worthwhile investment when it comes to protecting lives.
Would you be willing to pay more for safety features that could make your daily journeys safer?
At How’s My Driving, we are passionate about making UK roads a safer place for everyone. To stay updated on road safety news and developments, visit our
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06 August 2024