Background

Road Safety Week, held from 16–22 November 2025, saw renewed focus on the pressing issue of road casualties in the UK. The road safety charity Brake, which founded the annual campaign, highlighted the stark reality:

“Every year, more than 1,700 people die on UK roads. Another 30,000 receive serious, life-changing injuries. The numbers are shocking, and there has been no significant reduction for more than a decade… This Road Safety Week, we want to make sure that every time we get in a vehicle we are as safe as possible, whoever we are and however we travel.”

With casualty numbers stagnating, momentum is building for long-awaited legislative and policy changes.

The Government’s First Road Safety Strategy in a Decade

The government has committed to placing road safety at the heart of its transport policy for this parliamentary term. The sector now awaits the publication of the first Road Safety Strategy consultation in more than ten years - a development that is likely to attract substantial attention from across the insurance market.

Clyde & Co expects the forthcoming proposals to have far-reaching implications for insurers, brokers, fleet operators and private motorists alike. As soon as the consultation is released, our specialist teams will be examining the detail and assessing the potential impact on motor risk, claims trends and regulatory considerations.

Older Drivers: Mandatory Testing Under Consideration

One of the most high-profile proposals is the potential introduction of mandatory testing for older drivers. Should this reform be implemented, tens of thousands of drivers could face the loss of their licences.
This would have significant consequences not only for road safety but also for mobility, access to services and the insurance needs of an ageing population. Stakeholders across the sector will be watching closely for clarity on thresholds, frequency of testing and transitional arrangements.

Drink-Driving Limits: A Significant Reduction Proposed

The consultation is also expected to address drink-driving limits, with proposals to significantly reduce the legal limit. 

Research consistently shows that even a single drink can impair reaction times and perception - yet many drivers remain unaware of the increased collision risk. Clear messaging will be essential to ensure public understanding and compliance should the limit be tightened.

 Vehicle Safety Technology: Aligning with European Standards

Brake continues to advocate for accelerated adoption of advanced vehicle safety technologies, including crash-avoidance systems, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and intelligent speed assistance (ISA).

The charity is urging the UK government to require these features in all new vehicles, aligning domestic standards with the General Safety Regulations already in force across Europe. Given the substantial evidence supporting these technologies’ effectiveness, their wider adoption could play a critical role in reducing road casualties.

Clyde & Co Perspective and Ongoing Monitoring

As the Road Safety Strategy progresses through consultation and Parliamentary scrutiny, Clyde & Co will continue to provide regular updates and expert analysis. The implications for motor insurers, commercial fleets and household policyholders will be significant, spanning underwriting considerations, claims volatility, regulatory compliance and emerging liability issues.

Kate Hargan, Head of Motor Crime, and the wider Motor Crime team will be closely monitoring each stage of the Strategy’s development. The team will analyse the practical implications for insurers, employers and motorists, ensuring clients receive timely insights and strategic guidance. As new proposals emerge - and as the legislative landscape evolves - they will continue to publish commentary, briefings and sector-specific advice to keep clients fully informed.

For further insights or to discuss the potential impact of these developments on your organisation, please contact Kate Hargan or your usual Clyde & Co contact.