Key Items of Interest
Calls Grow for Alcohol Interlocks
Road safety organisations are urging the Government to introduce mandatory alcohol ignition interlocks (alcolocks) for repeat and high-risk drink-driving offenders. The devices prevent a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath and have been shown internationally to reduce reoffending significantly.
Recent polling suggests strong public support for the measure, while Dundee City Council has become the first Scottish authority to introduce alcohol testing devices within part of its vehicle fleet.
Uninsured Driving Continues to Challenge Enforcement
More than 160,000 uninsured vehicles were seized during 2025, the highest figure recorded in 17 years. Despite enforcement efforts, uninsured driving remains a significant issue, contributing to higher insurance costs for law-abiding motorists.
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau reports that someone is affected by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver every 20 minutes, highlighting the ongoing scale of the problem.
Scotland Launches Major Driver Behaviour Survey
Scotland is introducing camera technology to assess the scale of mobile phone use and seatbelt non-compliance among drivers. The six-month study will monitor driver behaviour at multiple locations across the country.
The findings are expected to help inform future enforcement activity, road safety campaigns and investment decisions.
Is Learning to Drive Becoming Too Test-Focused?
Research involving more than 12,000 drivers suggests many learners remain heavily focused on passing the practical driving test, often at the expense of wider road safety knowledge.
Topics such as driver distraction, fatigue and cyclist awareness were recalled by relatively few respondents, reinforcing the importance of developing safer drivers rather than simply successful test candidates.
Drug-Driving Repeat Offending Rising
New analysis shows repeat drug-driving convictions now significantly outnumber repeat drink-driving offences. More than 12,000 motorists have been caught drug-driving at least three times over the past eleven years.
Road safety groups continue to call for greater public awareness, enhanced enforcement and targeted interventions aimed at repeat offenders.
Final Thoughts for ADIs
June’s report highlights the continued importance of tackling high-risk driver behaviour through a combination of enforcement, education and emerging technology.
From growing support for alcohol interlocks and tougher action on drink and drug driving, to concerns around uninsured motorists, driver distraction and learner driver education, the issues raised reinforce the important role ADIs play in promoting safer attitudes and behaviours on the road.
The Traffic Safety Roads bulletin is produced by Graham Feest, a highly respected road safety consultant with more than 50 years’ experience in road safety, driver training and transport policy. A former County Road Safety Officer and Head of Road Safety at IAM RoadSmart, Graham continues to support the profession through his roles as President of the Institute of Master Tutors of Driving and Road Safety Adviser to the ADINJC.
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