Memorandum from RAC (RS 30)
ABOUT RAC
1. RAC provides a comprehensive range of
motoring and vehicle services for both consumers and businesses.
These range from those learning to drive with BSM, people who
enjoy peace of mind with RAC breakdown cover and to customers
utilising HPI for vehicle history checks. RAC is part of Aviva,
the world's fifth-largest insurance group and the biggest in the
UK, where it operates under the Norwich Union brand.
2. Since 1988 the RAC has produced an annual
research publication, known as the Report on Motoring (previously
known as the Lex Report on Motoring), which reports motorists'
views of the issues of most relevance to drivers in the UK today.
In 2007, the focus of the Report on Motoring was on driving and
safety. The Report is based on an extensive programme of specially-commissioned
research amongst British motorists. In 2007, a total of 2,029
face-to-face interviews were carried out, and a further nine focus
group discussions were held amongst particular interest groups.
3. RAC welcomes the opportunity to submit
evidence to the Committee relating to road safety, and share with
you some of our findings. The 2007 Report on Motoring demonstrated
that road safety and the reduction of casualties and fatalities
on our roads features higher on the list of Britain's motorists
than any other issue.
4. Furthermore, the Report indicated that
driving and safety is by far the greatest concern for the vast
majority of motorists ahead of congestion, the cost of motoring,
the number of cars on the road and the environment. The concerns
motorists have about driving safely are overwhelmingly about the
behaviours of other motorists.
To what extent have targets for casualty reduction
been a useful tool for focusing professional activity?
5. RAC welcomes the Government's commitment
to reducing the number of casualties and deaths on our roads;
however we remain concerned at the continuing high level. In 2005,
Department for Transport statistics[87]
show there were 3,201 deaths and 28,954 serious injuries on our
roads. Whilst the trend in deaths and casualties is declining,
the rate of this decline appears to be slowing year-on-year.
6. The UK's targets for reducing the number
of fatalities differ from the Swedish model, where in 1997 they
adopted a "zero tolerance" approach which aims to have
no road deaths. In our research for the 2007 Report on Motoring,
drivers were informed that there were 3,201 deaths on UK roads
each year and were asked how acceptable they thought a policy
of "zero fatalities", similar to the Swedish approach,
would be in this country.
7. Our research demonstrated that a majority
(54%) of Britain's motorists would, in principle, support a policy
of "zero fatalities" although, this support is strongly
tempered by scepticism about how "realistic" such a
policy would be. What did become apparent however, is that 59%
of motorists would support a more ambitious national target that
aims for a sizeable reduction in road deaths.
What further measures need to be adopted to reduce
deaths and injuries arising from drinking and driving?
8. Department for Transport statistics[88]
show that in 2005 car drivers over the alcohol limit were involved
in 6% of all casualties and 17% of all deaths on our roads. Drinking
and driving killed or seriously injured 2,660 people, and injured
a further 12,740. Nearly 1 in 6 of all deaths on Britain's roads
involve drivers who are over the legal alcohol limit.
9. RAC would support a reduction in the
UK drink-drive limit to 50 mg per 100 ml of blood in line with
other EU countries. In addition, RAC believes such a reduction
should be accompanied by increased detection and continued focus
on the most serious offenders.
10. RAC supports education measures to remind
drivers what the limit means in practice and to help them understand
"morning after motoring" when it might be some time
since the driver last consumed a drink.
11. RAC also welcomes proposals to make
roadside breath tests admissible in court, without the need for
supporting blood test results, to save police time and provide
a more instant deterrent to drivers.
12. RAC supports further investigation into
the benefits and applications of new technology such as "alcolocks",
as a deterrent to repeat offenders.
13. Driving under the influence of alcohol
is a long-standing and well-documented problem. Drug-driving receives
less public attention but is of no less concern and RAC believes
drug driving is as prevalent and dangerous as drink driving. The
current roadside "Field Impairment Test" includes asking
drivers to put their finger to their nose; stand on one leg; and
count to 30. Together with an examination of the pupil in the
eye the police officer determines if drug-driving has taken place.
RAC does not believe that this is scientifically reliable and
calls for more robust tests to be developed.
14. In the 2007 Report on Motoring, motorists
were asked what concerns them most about their driving safety.
Of greatest concern to motorists were other motorists under the
influence of illegal drugs (76%), and other motorists driving
over the legal alcohol limit (74%).
15. The research also tested the acceptability
to motorists of a range of safety initiatives. The evidence showed
resounding support in favour of initiatives to tackle drink driving.
The essential message was that drivers will accept lowering the
drink-drive limit to 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (69%);
an increase in random breath testing (71%); the "naming and
shaming" of convicted drink/drug drivers (73%); and, the
installation of "alcolocks" to test driver's breath
before the engine starts (67%). Our research showed that motorists
would accept the inconvenience that such measures would have on
the law abiding majority, as long as they are effective in combating
drink driving.
Are there specific blockages caused by shortages
of appropriately trained and skilled staff?
16. People who drive for work and drivers
who habitually speed are both more likely to say they feel very
safe on today's roads but, for differing reasons, both are more
at risk than the average motorist.
17. Research by the Transport Research Laboratory
has shown that, even taking into account their higher mileage;
people who drive for work have up to 50% more accidents than private
motorists. RAC therefore believes that, whilst regular training
for all drivers should be encouraged, employers have a particularly
important role to play in helping to reduce the number of accidents
related to those driving on company business.
18. Research for the 2007 Report on Motoring
tested company car drivers about whether their employers undertake
basic checks routinely. The research showed that 56% had the validity
of their driving licence checked annually; 56% were provided with
guidance of what to do in the event of a crash; 42% were provided
with a policy or guidance for driving whilst at work; and, 33%
were provided with realistic journey planning to include adequate
rest periods.
What further policies, not already widely used,
might be considered for adoption and what evidence there is for
their success?
19. The Department for Transport acknowledges[89]
that there are a number of groups who remain more at risk on the
roads—these include young drivers and those who drive for
work. In addition, the Department for Transport's research highlights
some key areas for concern—these include drink driving and
speeding.
20. RAC believes a lifelong learning approach
is needed for driver education. Driving is a skill for life and
RAC therefore calls on Government to formalise this by including
driver education in the national curriculum. Young people are
taught about responsible attitudes to sexual relations and alcohol
consumption, but despite the fact most go on to drive, they are
not taught about safe and responsible attitudes to driving. The
2007 Report on Motoring found that young drivers see the need
to be better prepared before they are allowed to drive and list
their top three priorities as learning more about "safe driving"
at school (58%); more emphasis on "teaching to drive safely"
(37%); and, better preparation for modern driving (30%). The over-riding
message emerging from the research was that Britain's motorists
want, and would accept, greater measures to help prepare young
people for driving and to help them drive safely.
21. RAC is calling for a life-long approach
to driver education to ensure that all drivers are equipped to
deal with modern road and traffic conditions. The realities of
driving today are very different to the conditions back in, and
prior to, the 1980's, when 62% of today's motorists passed their
test. Today, cars are more powerful, complex, have more equipment,
and traffic conditions are more demanding; for example, our roads
are more congested.
22. The Report on Motoring 2007 tested various
measures which would encourage a lifelong learning approach to
driving for their level of acceptability with today's motorists.
Our research showed that 42% of drivers supported periodical re-testing
with compulsory re-training for those who failed; 51% of drivers
supported re-testing for all drivers over the age of 65, with
periodical re-testing thereafter; and, 79% of drivers supported
regular medical checks for elderly drivers.
23. Statistics from the Department for Transport[90]
show that whilst speeding is identified as a "contributory
factor" in 15% of all accidents, this increases to 26% in
the case of all fatal accidents, demonstrating that speed does
kill. However, speeding is often considered socially acceptable.
Research for the 2007 Report on Motoring demonstrated that 47%
of motorists admit to driving significantly above the speed limit
in built-up areas and 54% admit to doing so on motorways.
What should be the priorities for government in
considering further targets for casualty reduction beyond 2010?
24. RAC believes the Government needs to
set realistic and achievable targets for casualty reduction beyond
2010. Where appropriate, RAC believes that national targets should
be separated into specific localised targets that reflect local
concerns and priorities.
25. RAC believes there needs to be a lifelong
approach to learning to drive, with a more prominent and integrated
system equipping people with the skills they need to drive safely
throughout their lives. Statistics show that young drivers are
at greatest risk, and as such RAC calls for the Government to
include driver education as part of the national curriculum.
26. In relation to combating drink driving,
RAC would support random breath testing and a reduction in the
drink-drive limit to be in line with other EU countries.
27. The 2007 Report on Motoring concluded
that drivers need help to better understand the inherent risk
in how they drive. The research showed that motorists would like
ongoing education and training combined with proportionate and
effective enforcement to become safer drivers, but ultimately,
that drivers need to take personal responsibility. RAC believes
that all motoring organisations have a role to play in helping
motorists achieve this and become safer drivers.
February 2008
87 Road Casualties in Great Britain in 2005, Department
for Transport. Back
88
Road Casualties in Great Britain in 2005, Department for Transport. Back
89
Department for Transport, "Tomorrow's roads-safer for everyone",
February 2007. Back
90
Road Casualties in Great Britain in 2005, Department for Transport. Back
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