Uncovered: New Driving Laws You Need to Know

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Uncovered: New Driving Laws You Need to Know

Uncovered: New Driving Laws You Need to Know

Outline:

1. Introduction
   • Overview of new driving laws and schemes.
   • Importance of staying informed as a driver.
2. Blood Tests for Driver Tiredness
   • Explanation of the new blood test being developed.
   • The science behind driver fatigue and its dangers.
   • Potential benefits of the blood test in reducing road fatalities.
3. Fines for Driving Too Close to Cyclists
   • Introduction of the £100 fine for drivers overtaking cyclists too closely.
   • A closer look at the new law’s purpose and implementation.
   • Statistics on cyclist fatalities and injuries.
4. Calls for Graduated Driving Licenses (GDL)
   • What is a Graduated Driving License (GDL)?
   • The tragic case that ignited the GDL debate.
   • Statistics supporting GDL’s potential impact on road safety.
   • How GDL would affect new drivers.
5. Double Decker Buses to Catch Texting Drivers
   • The innovative use of double-decker buses by police.
   • How the operation works and its success.
   • The impact on distracted driving and mobile phone usage.
6. Roadside Eye Tests for Drivers
   • The introduction of roadside eyesight checks.
   • The importance of good eyesight for driving safety.
   • Survey findings on drivers’ eyesight and its consequences.
7. Why These driving Laws Are Crucial for Road Safety
   • The growing concern about distracted and fatigued driving.
   • The role of technology in identifying and preventing unsafe driving.
   • How these driving laws could transform driving habits.
8. Potential Challenges and Criticisms of New driving Laws
   • Concerns over the practicality and fairness of certain driving laws.
   • Public opinion and resistance to change.
   • Possible legal and logistical challenges.
9. What Drivers Need to Do Now
   • How to prepare for these changes.
   • Importance of staying informed and compliant.
   • Tips for improving driving habits and safety.
10. Conclusion
    • Recap of the key driving laws discussed.
    • Final thoughts on the impact of these changes on drivers.
11. FAQs
    • What happens if you fail a roadside eye test?
    • How will the new tiredness blood test work?
    • Can the graduated driving license be enforced everywhere?
    • Will the fines for overtaking cyclists apply to all drivers?
    • How are police catching texting drivers?

Uncovered: New Driving Laws You Need to Know

Introduction

As a driver, staying up-to-date with new driving laws is crucial, not just to avoid fines but to help make the roads safer for everyone. Recently, a number of new driving laws and schemes have been introduced, or are being considered, that will directly affect how we drive. From measures aimed at curbing distracted driving to innovative tests for fatigued drivers, these changes are designed to reduce fatalities and make our roads safer. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most significant new driving laws you need to be aware of.

Blood Tests for Driver Tiredness

Driving while tired has long been known as a major hazard on the roads, but until now, there has been little technology available to easily detect when a driver is too fatigued. However, scientists at the Sleep Research Centre at the University of Surrey are working on a groundbreaking solution: a blood test that can measure tiredness levels. The blood test would be used by police officers to quickly determine whether a driver is too exhausted to be behind the wheel.

Why is this important? Fatigue was a contributing factor in 4% of all road fatalities in 2015. Although that number seems small, experts fear the true figure is much higher, as fatigue is notoriously hard to detect in post-accident investigations. By using a simple blood test, law enforcement could quickly identify drivers who are dangerously tired, preventing potential accidents before they happen. This technology could save countless lives and drastically reduce road fatalities linked to driver fatigue.

Fines for Driving Too Close to Cyclists

A new law in the UK aims to protect cyclists from dangerous overtakes by motorists. If a driver fails to leave at least 1.5 meters of space when overtaking a cyclist, they could face a £100 fine and three penalty points on their license. The law comes as part of a broader effort to improve road safety for cyclists, who are at a higher risk of injury or death in traffic collisions.

Every year, around 100 cyclists are killed on UK roads, and many more are seriously injured. This new law is expected to reduce these numbers by encouraging drivers to take extra care when passing cyclists. Some police forces, including West Midlands, have already been enforcing this rule, issuing fines and taking repeat offenders to court. This law is expected to be rolled out across the country, so drivers should be extra cautious when overtaking cyclists.

Calls for Graduated Driving Licenses (GDL)

Graduated Driving Licenses (GDL) are being discussed more frequently, particularly after the tragic accident involving Skye Mitchell in 2017. Mitchell, a newly qualified driver, lost control of her vehicle, resulting in a crash that killed both her and her passenger, Caitlin Huddleston. The families of the victims, along with the coroner who investigated the case, have called for GDLs to be introduced, arguing that the inexperience of newly qualified drivers played a major role in the fatal crash.

A GDL scheme typically involves restrictions such as curfews and limits on the number of passengers young drivers can carry. Supporters of GDL believe it could prevent accidents by easing new drivers into more challenging road conditions. A report from the RAC Foundation backs this up, suggesting that introducing GDLs could save 281 lives or prevent serious injuries each year.

Double Decker Buses to Catch Texting Drivers

Distracted driving, particularly texting, is a growing problem on the roads. To combat this, police in West Midlands have come up with an innovative approach: using double-decker buses to spot drivers using their phones while behind the wheel. Officers sit on the top deck of the bus, looking down into cars to spot offenders. The initial test was a success, with several drivers caught texting and fined £200, along with six points on their licenses.

This creative approach highlights how technology and a little out-of-the-box thinking can be used to tackle distracted driving. Other police forces are likely to follow suit, so drivers should be aware that the chances of getting caught texting while driving are higher than ever.

Roadside Eye Tests for Drivers

Good eyesight is essential for safe driving, but did you know that there are no mandatory eye tests after you pass your driving exam? Learners must pass an eyesight test before their practical test, but that’s the last time their vision is checked unless they voluntarily visit an optician. To address this, police in some areas have started conducting roadside eye tests for drivers.

A survey conducted earlier this year found that one in four drivers likely wouldn’t pass the basic 20-meter eyesight test if stopped by police. Given that poor vision contributes to accidents, these roadside checks are a vital step in improving road safety. It’s a good idea for all drivers to get their eyes checked regularly, especially as vision can deteriorate with age.

Why These Driving Laws Are Crucial for Road Safety

These new driving laws and technologies are being introduced to tackle the pressing issues of distracted and fatigued driving. They aim to address key areas where driving habits can be dangerous, such as mobile phone use, lack of sleep, and poor eyesight. By enforcing stricter rules and using innovative methods to catch offenders, authorities are sending a clear message: road safety is non-negotiable. These measures could be the key to drastically reducing accidents, fatalities, and injuries on the roads.

Potential Challenges and Criticisms of New Driving Laws

While these new driving laws and schemes are well-intentioned, they are not without their challenges. Some critics argue that certain driving laws, like the fines for overtaking cyclists too closely, may be difficult to enforce consistently. Others express concerns about the fairness of roadside eye tests and the potential for police to unfairly target certain drivers. Additionally, some drivers may feel that these laws infringe on their freedom or place unnecessary burdens on them.

What Drivers Need to Do Now

To stay on the right side of the law, drivers should start preparing for these changes now. This means brushing up on the new regulations, paying attention to road signs, and always being aware of the space between you and cyclists. If you haven’t had an eye test in a while, it’s a good idea to schedule one, and don’t forget to get enough rest before heading out on the road. Awareness and preparation are key to staying safe and compliant with these new rules.

Conclusion

The introduction of new driving laws and schemes marks a significant step forward in improving road safety. From blood tests for tiredness to fines for overtaking cyclists too closely, these measures are designed to save lives and prevent accidents. As a driver, it’s essential to stay informed about these changes and take the necessary steps to ensure your driving habits align with the new regulations.

FAQs

1. What happens if you fail a roadside eye test?
   • If you fail a roadside eye test, you may be asked to retake the test at a later date, or you could face a driving ban until your vision is corrected.
2. How will the new tiredness blood test work?
   • The blood test will detect markers in your blood that indicate fatigue. If you’re found to be too tired, you could be fined or face further action.
3. Can the graduated driving license be enforced everywhere?
   • The GDL scheme is still under consideration, but if implemented, it could be enforced nationwide.
4. Will the fines for overtaking cyclists apply to all drivers?
   • Yes, the fines will apply to all drivers who fail to give cyclists at least 1.5 meters of space when overtaking.
5. How are police catching texting drivers?
   • Police are using double-decker buses to spot drivers using their phones. Officers on the top deck look down into cars and issue fines for texting.
   • Main image by pinterest