If the EU Commission has its way, motorists on Europe's roads will soon be getting younger and younger.
There is a big goal behind it.
Munich – A number of measures are intended to make Europe's roads safer.
In the future, this will probably include new rules for medical fitness to drive, which could affect senior citizens in particular.
However, traffic offenses should also be better punished across borders.
Everything in Brussels is in line with the major goal of halving the number of road deaths and serious injuries by 2030.
This was stated by the responsible EU Commissioner Adina Valean on Wednesday (March 1, 2023).
To have a brand, last year more than 20,000 people died in road accidents in the European Union.
The EU states and the European Parliament must now negotiate the new proposals.
The EU Commission is also pushing for innovations in the area of under-18s.
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Driving licence: German government and EU Commission are planning changes (symbolic photo).
© Armin Weigel/dpa
EU Announcement: Driving license age is to decrease across Europe
As is already the case in Germany and Austria, young people should be able to get their driver's license at the age of 17 and drive accompanied until they come of age.
Studies have shown that "lack of driving experience is associated with a higher likelihood of being involved in traffic accidents and serious violations of the Highway Code," the commission said.
A young driver under the age of 30 is involved in two out of five fatal accidents.
In addition, there could be a zero alcohol limit for at least the first two years after receiving the driver's license.
Driving license – the further plans of the EU:
In the future, drivers should be able to show their driver's license on their cell phone during traffic checks or when renting a car.
In the training of novice drivers, climate-friendly driving should take up more space in the future.
Traffic offenders should be able to be more easily punished in other EU countries.
Seniors should prove their medical fitness to drive from the age of 70.
In return, however, there could be further relief for young people.
Accompanied driving across Europe from the age of 17 is then to be introduced for category C driving licenses in addition to category B driving licences.
The calculation behind it: The logisticians in Europe are running out of truck drivers.
In this way, the job in the transport sector could possibly be made more attractive for young people, it is said.
Read here what else will change for motorists in 2023.
List of rubrics: © Armin Weigel/dpa