The wait is finally over. For the first time in more than a decade, the government has published a comprehensive Road Safety Strategy. With an ambitious target to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035, it’s clear that “business as usual” is no longer an option.

For fleet managers and drivers alike, this strategy signals a shift in how we approach safety – from the condition of our drivers to the condition of the roads they drive on.

Elderly Drivers: A Focus on Eyesight

One of the biggest headlines from the new strategy is the consultation on mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over 70.

Currently, when drivers hit 70, they simply self-declare that their vision is up to scratch. The government argues this isn’t good enough anymore. The proposal suggests introducing mandatory eye tests every three years at licence renewal.

Read our full article on mandatory eyesight tests for overs 70s here.

Why this matters for fleets

While your fleet might not be full of over-70s, this highlights a broader issue: fitness to drive. If the government is clamping down on private motorists, businesses should be leading the way. Regular eyesight checks shouldn’t just be a suggestion for your drivers – they should be a requirement. After all, if a driver can’t see a hazard, they can’t avoid it.

You can read the full detail in the official Government Road Safety Strategy here.

The Danger of Faded Road Markings

While the government focuses on drivers, a new report has highlighted a massive issue with the roads themselves: faded road markings.

According to recent research highlighted by the RAC, a staggering 92% of drivers believe that faded road markings are making UK roads more dangerous. The data is alarming:

• 21% of drivers say most markings in their local area have faded away.
  
• 16% report having a “near-miss” because they couldn’t see the lines.
  
• 50% say the white centre lines—essential for separating traffic—are the most commonly faded markings.

This creates a dangerous cocktail. If you combine a driver with poor eyesight (as addressed in the government strategy) with a road where the white lines are invisible, the risk of an accident skyrockets. Drivers are being forced to “guess” their lane, leading to confusion and collisions.

You can read more about the impact of faded markings in this Fleet News article.

Stop & Think: It’s All Connected

At FSGB, we believe safety is a puzzle where every piece matters—the driver, the vehicle, and the environment.

Our Stop & Think campaign was designed to tackle these exact issues.

• Campaign 3 (“Seeing is Believing”) focuses specifically on driver concentration and vision. It’s not just about looking; it’s about observing.

If the roads are deteriorating (as the RAC suggests) and regulations are tightening (as the government strategy confirms), your fleet management processes need to be tighter than ever. You can’t control the white lines on the motorway, but you can control the readiness of your drivers and vehicles.

Take Control of Your Fleet Safety

Don’t wait for the legislation to force your hand. Ensure your fleet is compliant, your drivers are healthy, and your vehicles are roadworthy with a proactive management plan.

Explore the FSGB Fleet Management Solution

Discover how we can help you professionalise your operations, reduce risk, and keep your drivers safe in a changing world.

FAQs About Fleet Management

What is fleet management?

Fleet management is the administration of a company’s vehicle fleet. It includes a range of functions such as vehicle financing, vehicle maintenance, vehicle telematics (tracking), driver management, and health and safety compliance. The goal is to reduce risks, improve efficiency, and minimise costs.

Why is driver health important in fleet management?

A healthy driver is a safe driver. Issues like poor eyesight, fatigue, or untreated medical conditions can significantly increase the risk of accidents. Fleet managers have a duty of care to ensure their drivers are fit to drive, which includes checking licences and encouraging regular eye tests.

How does the new government strategy affect fleets?

The new strategy places a higher emphasis on safety standards and “fitness to drive.” For fleets, this means stricter adherence to safety protocols, potentially more rigorous checks on driver health (especially eyesight), and a greater need for robust data to prove compliance.

FAQs About FSGB

What is the “Stop & Think” campaign?

“Stop & Think” is a road safety initiative created by FSGB. It is designed to raise awareness among drivers and fleet managers about critical safety issues, such as vehicle maintenance (“What shape are your vehicles really in?”) and driver distraction (“Seeing is Believing”).

Where is Fleet Service GB based?

FSGB is a UK-based company with its headquarters in Lacock, Chippenham. They provide nationwide fleet management services with a personal, UK-based support team.

Does FSGB offer accident management?

Yes, they offer a fully integrated accident management service. This includes a 24/7 support line for drivers, claims handling, and vehicle repair management to get your fleet back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.

A Proactive Approach to a Growing Risk

The combination of aging driver demographics and deteriorating road infrastructure creates a significant “safety gap” that fleet managers can no longer afford to ignore. While the government’s new Road Safety Strategy aims to tackle driver vision through mandatory testing, the reality of faded road markings remains an external hazard beyond a business’s immediate control.

By integrating rigorous eyesight checks with initiatives like the Stop & Think campaign, fleet operators can mitigate these environmental risks, ensuring that even when the road markings disappear, their drivers have the clarity and concentration necessary to navigate safely.

Contact Fleet Service GB today to learn more about our road safety initiative.