Times change and certain things have to adapt too. The long-term goal is reduce fatalities in accidents to zero on the road, something that the European Union wants to achieve by 2050. However, this goal is still far from being achieved, since last year more than 20,000 people lost their lives on the roads of our continent. For this reason, the European Commission is working on a series of measures to improve road safety in some areas. One of them talks about the possibility of having Driver’s license from the age of 17.
Although for many it might seem counterproductive to let a minor drive, it has its explanation. at that young age they would have to be accompanied when they get behind the wheel, but it would allow them to learn to drive and get a license sooner than now. He would help address the current driver shortage, and by the time they turned 18 they would no longer need the company. This would be applicable both cars and trucksbecause we must not forget the needs that exist in the transport sector.
Among the proposed changes would also be the adaptation of training and driving tests. Permission could be obtained at 17 years of age, but young people would be more prepared. Special emphasis would be placed on caring for vulnerable road users, since pedestrians, cyclists and users of electric scooters are the ones that register the greatest increase in road deaths. To obtain it, a more specific assessment of medical fitnesstaking into account advances in the different treatments.
And even more important, during the first two years a zero rate of alcohol would be applied. In other words, novice drivers could not drink any alcohol while driving, something key if we take into account that people under 30 are present in two out of every five fatal collisions. The European Commission is also working to achieve improvements in other areas such as the arrival of a fully digital driver’s license or that renewals or exchanges of driving licenses be easier.
Lastly, they intend to harden themselves in the cross-border offenses, since around 40% went unpunished. Now they want to improve the identification of the driver or the collection of the payment through the collaboration of the member countries. It will not only apply to speeding or drunken driving, also in other offenses such as insufficient safety distance, dangerous overtaking, crossing continuous lines or driving in the opposite direction.
Source: European Commission
