WE'RE ON ROAD TO SAVING LIVES

ROAD deaths will be slashed in the next decade as part of a radical overhaul of British driving laws, ministers will pledge today, with tougher rules for motorists.

- BY SOPHIE HUSKISSON Political Correspondent

Under a landmark safety package, drivers will get points on their licences for not wearing a seatbelt or for failing to make sure children are wearing them, the Mirror has been told.

The drink-driving limit could also be lowered, while convicted drink-drivers could be forced to use devices in their car to test their alcohol levels before being able to drive.

The strategy mandates 18 new vehicle safety technologies, like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keeping assistance.

Campaigner Meera Naran MBE, whose son Dev, eight, died in a crash on a smart motorway in 2018, wants a "Dev's Law" forcing all vehicles to be fitted with AEB.

She said: "I welcome this much-anticipated road safety strategy and am pleased to see measures set out to reduce road deaths and serious injuries. I am especially grateful to the Secretary of State for giving me her word that she would honour Dev and recognise the importance of legislative change to adopt the general safety regulations, as Dev's Law, and for delivering on that commitment."