Motoring experts are calling for the government to make vehicle safety equipment a legal requirement for all drivers.
The team at LeaseCar.uk say motorists should have mandatory safety equipment in their vehicles, including reflective jackets and warning triangles.
There are currently no legal obligations for UK drivers to carry safety equipment in their vehicles.
The latest report on road collisions in Great Britain estimates 29,795 people were killed or seriously injured in 2022.
The motoring experts are demanding better road safety measures be introduced on Britain’s roads, and say safety equipment could make a big difference when it comes to keeping both motorists and pedestrians safe on the roads.
If the equipment became mandatory in the UK, drivers would have to carry a first aid kit, reflective jackets, warning triangles and a fire extinguisher.
Carrying safety equipment in a vehicle is legally enforced in many European countries, although rules vary. However, many other countries stipulate drivers should carry at least some safety items.
By law in most Nordic, Eastern European, Baltic and Soviet countries, a car first aid kit and a fire extinguisher are required.
Most European countries, including Spain, Italy and France, also require vehicles to be equipped with an emergency triangle in case of accidents or breakdowns.
Motorists in these countries who fail to have any or all of the equipment in their car are at risk of receiving a fine from authorities.
In the event of an accident, the safety equipment present in a vehicle could help people treat casualties with injuries.
Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said, “We believe drivers across the UK should carry compulsory safety equipment in their vehicles to help prevent serious injuries on the road.
“There are legal requirements in most European countries to carry safety equipment in a vehicle, but it is unheard of in the UK.
“Although the legally mandatory vehicle safety equipment varies globally, many countries stipulate drivers should carry at least some items.
“Greece, Romania and Croatia are just some countries which require drivers to carry a compulsory first aid kit in the vehicle.
“Switzerland, Austria and France also require drivers to carry one or more warning triangles in vehicles to alert other drivers to potential hazards.
“Reflective jackets are also compulsory for the driver and passengers in case of a breakdown in many countries including Hungary, Estonia and Spain.
“Compulsory fire extinguishers are needed in the cars of many European countries like Poland, Turkey and Bulgaria, but in the UK they are only required in PSVs (Public Service Vehicles) and large trucks.
“We strongly believe making safety kits and equipment a legal requirement for drivers could improve the safety of Britain’s roads.
“That’s why we’re urging the government to consider making safety equipment mandatory when travelling in a vehicle.”
