Road traffic accidents remain a significant concern in England and Wales, with thousands of individuals suffering injuries or fatalities each year due to negligence on the roads. The UK Government has recently announced its first major road safety plan in over a decade, aiming to reduce casualties through a “Safe System” approach. This strategy could have important implications for those pursuing compensation claims under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and related laws.
Key Elements of the Strategy
The plan sets out ambitious targets, including a 65% reduction in overall road casualties by 2035, increasing to 70% for children under 16. It addresses various risks through measures such as:
- Consultations on lowering the drink-drive limit in England and Wales, which is currently the highest in Europe.
- Introducing alcohol interlock devices and immediate licence suspensions for suspected impaired driving.
- A proposed minimum learning period of three or six months for new drivers, to ensure experience in diverse conditions like night driving or bad weather.
- Mandatory eyesight tests every three years for drivers over 70, with potential cognitive assessments.
- Enhanced enforcement against illegal number plates, uninsured vehicles, and those without valid MOTs.
- Mandating 18 new vehicle safety technologies, such as autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance.
- Establishing a Road Safety Investigation Branch to analyse collision data.
- Reforms to motorcycle training and a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter, targeting vulnerable groups like motorcyclists and work-related drivers.
These proposals recognise disparities, such as children in deprived areas facing four times the pedestrian casualty rate compared to wealthier neighbourhoods.
Commentary on Recent Developments and Criticisms
While the strategy has been welcomed as a step forward, recent reports highlight areas where it may fall short. For instance, bereaved families have expressed disappointment over the lack of graduated driving licences (a staged licencing system for new drivers that delays full driving privileges by adding restrictions to reduce ‘high-risk’ situations – this can include things like curfews, limits on passenger numbers or caps on engine sizes) for young drivers. Such measures might prevent multi-occupant crashes, where liability often involves complex disputes under negligence principles. Young drivers account for a fifth of serious crashes, and without stricter rules, preventable accidents could continue, leading to more claims for catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.
Seasonal hazards, like wintry conditions causing spikes in incidents, underscore the need for robust education and enforcement. Parliamentary discussions on protecting vulnerable road users, such as horse riders, also signal evolving duties of care that could influence future case law.
How This Affects Compensation Claims
Under England and Wales law, if you suffer injury in a road traffic accident due to another’s negligence—such as impaired driving or poor vehicle maintenance—you may be entitled to compensation for physical harm, loss of earnings, medical costs, and psychological impact. The new strategy’s focus on prevention could reduce accidents, but for those already affected, proving breach of duty remains key. Enhanced vehicle technologies and data analysis may provide stronger evidence in certain claims.
At Essex Personal Injury Lawyers, we specialise in road traffic accident claims. Our experienced team can assess whether negligence contributed to your incident and guide you through the process to secure the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a road traffic accident, please contact Essex Personal Injury Lawyers, the dedicated personal injury team at Jefferies Solicitors, on 01702 443 472.
