The latest Traffic Safety Roads report (April 2026) is now available to explore in full using the document slider below.

In this month’s update, several key themes stand out, from worsening road conditions and changing driver behaviour to new enforcement technology and evolving road safety policy.

 

Below, we break down the most important insights and what they mean for ADIs and the wider driver training industry.

Vehicle Checks Still Being Ignored, and It Is Costing Drivers

National Highways’ T.R.I.P campaign is a timely reminder that many drivers are still neglecting basic safety checks.

Despite years of messaging, over half of drivers have experienced a breakdown, and nearly a third believe it could have been prevented with simple checks.

For instructors, this reinforces an ongoing responsibility. Learners need to understand vehicle responsibility beyond the driving test. Simple habits such as checking tyres, fuel and planning journeys are still not embedded in driver behaviour.

The Reality of UK Roads and a Growing Safety Issue

The condition of the road network continues to deteriorate.

There is now a £18.6 billion repair backlog, and it could take up to 12 years to resolve. At the same time, a significant proportion of roads have limited remaining lifespan.

This has real implications for driving. It increases distraction, affects vehicle control and reduces confidence, particularly for learners. Instructors should expect road conditions to continue influencing how drivers observe, position and plan ahead.

Where Drivers Are Actually Looking

One of the most important behavioural insights this month is where drivers are focusing their attention.

Many drivers are now looking down at their speedometer or concentrating on the road immediately in front of them to avoid potholes, rather than scanning ahead properly.

This is a critical teaching point for ADIs. Forward planning and effective visual scanning are becoming more important than ever in maintaining safety.

Casualties and Enforcement, and Progress Has Stalled

Recent figures show that casualties on major roads have slightly increased, with 1,931 people killed or seriously injured on England’s strategic road network.

At the same time, motoring offences are at their highest level in over a decade, with speeding accounting for the majority.

There is also growing concern about reduced visible policing and increased reliance on automated enforcement. This creates a challenge where some drivers may rely more on avoiding detection than improving behaviour.

Do Drivers Need Regular Re-testing

There is increasing support for ongoing driver education.

Research shows that 65% of drivers would be willing to take a refresher theory test, yet many do not actively check for updates to the Highway Code.

This reflects what many instructors already see. Qualified drivers often develop outdated knowledge and habits over time. This presents opportunities for refresher training and post-test development.

Tyre Safety and a Preventable Risk

Tyre-related issues remain a major contributor to breakdowns and collisions.

Seasonal campaigns highlight increased stopping distances, reduced grip in wet conditions and the risks of poor maintenance, especially after periods of inactivity.

This reinforces the importance of ensuring that safety checks taught during lessons translate into real world habits.

Technology Is Changing Enforcement and Safety

Several developments highlight how technology is shaping road safety.

New AI-powered cameras are being introduced to detect mobile phone use and seatbelt offences. London’s latest road safety plan includes expanded 20mph zones, more pedestrian crossings and continued investment in cycling infrastructure.

Vehicle safety standards are also evolving. New Euro NCAP protocols will place greater emphasis on driver monitoring systems, crash avoidance and post-crash safety.

These changes indicate that while technology will support drivers, strong core driving skills remain essential.

Is the Points System Still Working

There is increasing debate around the effectiveness of the penalty points system.

Only around half of drivers believe it acts as a deterrent, while research suggests that education-based interventions are more effective at reducing reoffending.

This supports the long-standing view that improving driver understanding and behaviour has a greater long-term impact than punishment alone.

Key Issues Instructors Should Be Aware Of

The report also highlights several ongoing concerns.

Poor motorway lane discipline, particularly middle lane driving, continues to create risk and frustration. Drink driving reoffending remains a problem, and incidents involving school crossing patrols highlight ongoing issues with driver awareness and compliance.

These are all areas where driver attitude and behaviour play a critical role.

Positive Developments

There are also encouraging developments.

E-scooter trials in London are showing strong safety performance and increasing usage. New resources are being developed to support newly qualified drivers, and more road safety guidance is becoming available to practitioners.

Final Thoughts for ADIs

This month’s update reinforces a consistent message.

Road safety is not just about rules. It is about behaviour, awareness and responsibility.

For driving instructors, this means continuing to emphasise observation, planning and decision making, while helping drivers bridge the gap between passing the test and driving safely in the real world.

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