This post will look at the 7 most popular traffic rules of 2021, including the reasoning behind them, their pros and cons, and who they might not be suitable for. We’ll also see how these changes could affect your driving habits. Text can be used with a diamond symbol to delineate reversed lanes.
Many drivers may be surprised to learn that these are just a few of the proposed changes which would be coming into effect if they were approved in 2020. These future driving guidelines have been put together by The International Organization for Motor Vehicle Administrations (IOMVA). This is a global body composed of representatives from each country around the world whose aim is to create uniformity and consistency in driver laws worldwide.
1. All vehicles banned from roads at peak times
Any vehicle which doesn’t have a full mobility permit will be banned from driving on congested motorways between 10am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. This is an attempt to reduce the number of accidents linked to driver fatigue, which currently account for 25% of all road traffic accidents. This could also alleviate congestion on busy roads during peak hours. The IOMVA believe that most people will agree that this should be a priority as the projected amount of road usage is expected to rise by over 50% by 2040. What impact would this have on your driving habits?
2. Vehicles must be fitted with technology that monitors driver alertness
Vehicles must have an instrument capable of monitoring and detecting the signs of fatigue in drivers, such as a camera which looks at a drivers face, or sensors which monitor brain activity. This is a noticeable change to current traffic laws which leave it up to drivers to take regular rest. Of course, there are already ways in which we can monitor our own alertness while driving, such as looking out for signs such as heavy eyelids and reduced reaction times. However the new law would hope to make this less of an issue by ensuring that drivers stay alert at all times. What impact would this have on your driving habits?
3. Vehicles will be fitted with an ignition lock which prevents the car from starting unless everyone is buckled up
This law would aim to reduce the number of people killed in car accidents as a result of not wearing a seatbelt, which currently accounts for 30% of all road traffic deaths. The IOMVA believe that this could be one way to improve safety on the roads and reduce the number of accidents on motorways. What impact would this have on your driving habits?
4. Driverless cars banned from roads at peak times
A lot of people are eager to see when driverless cars hit the roads and how they’ll affect our driving habits . But it seems we’re still years away from fully autonomous vehicles . By the time these cars are commonplace it’s likely that the traffic laws governing them will have changed significantly. The organization believes that driverless cars could save lives, as well as reduce congestion. However, there would need to be vehicles with a driver available at all times in case of emergency, so this would mean banning driverless cars from roads between 10am and 6pm throughout the week. What impact would this have on your driving habits?
5. All lorries on motorways must move into a slow lane at 60 mph+
This law is aimed at encouraging lorry drivers to drive within their ideal speed range and not exceed the speed limit which could lead to accidents. This is already the case in a lot of European countries, so it would be relatively easy to implement. One issue is that lorries may not be able to drop below 60 mph due to the weight they are carrying, which could lead to other vehicles being slowed down unnecessarily. What impact would this have on your driving habits?
6. Drivers must always leave one space open between their car and the vehicle in front at all times
This aims to reduce the risk of accidents caused by cars overlapping when stopping at traffic lights or in slow moving traffic, as well as reducing road rage and making it easier for other vehicles to overtake securely without obstructions. What impact would this have on your driving habits?
7. Cars will be fitted with technology which monitors driver alertness
This includes cameras installed inside the car which scan a driver and detect signs of fatigue. This is an obvious step which could make driving more robotic, but it would also be more convenient to have the technology built into your car. While you still require some skill behind the wheel, most drivers will welcome this feature, at least until you get to a point where you’re watching everything around you rather than concentrating on the road ahead. What impact would this have on your driving habits?
Summary:
The rules being proposed by the IOMVA are in order to help drivers stay alert, minimize road rage, and generally just improve safety on the roads. It’s likely that these rules will be delayed or changed depending on how the public reacts. If you were in favor of these new laws, how would they change your driving habits?
