UK drivers support black boxes and in-car breathalysers to improve road safety

Drink-driving deaths and serious injuries have increased over the last 10 years, driving policymakers to review introducing mandatory breathalysers and black boxes in all new cars.

Car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk conducted a survey which shows the majority of British drivers would welcome these changes, revealing strong public support for in-car safety technology aimed at tackling dangerous driving.

An overwhelming 62% of the 1000 Brits surveyed believe breathalysers in vehicles would significantly reduce drink-driving incidents.

The findings come after a July 2025 report from the Department for Transport revealed a 7% increase in drink-driving fatalities from 2013 to 2023,  with 260 deaths in 2023 alone.

According to the survey, 49% of respondents strongly support and 29% somewhat support making built-in breathalysers mandatory in new vehicles.

The in-car breathalyser would require drivers to provide a breath sample before the engine will start, helping to prevent drink-driving incidents.

Support was also high for the installation of black boxes in new cars to monitor speed and harsh braking, with 60% of respondents either strongly or somewhat in favour.

A significant 74% believe black boxes should be fitted as standard for newly qualified drivers – given a fifth of serious car collisions involve a young driver – with young males 4 times as likely to be killed or seriously injured compared to all car drivers aged 25 or over.

Fatalities from dangerous driving remain stubbornly high, highlighting the urgent need for measures that change driver behaviour.

As awareness grows, technologies such as breathalysers and black boxes are gaining support as practical tools that can increase road safety nationwide.

Greg Wilson CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone said: “Given all we know about how devastating reckless driving can be, it’s worrying to see that the figures have actually increased over the last 10 years.

“With the government planning to make breathalysers and black boxes mandatory in new cars, we wanted to understand how drivers feel about these safety measures.

“While these devices are still relatively new to a lot of motorists, the survey reveals strong support across the UK and it’s clear that drivers recognise the potential of breathalysers and black boxes to encourage safer habits behind the wheel.

“Of course, introducing these features raises questions around privacy and data use, which will need to be carefully addressed to ensure public confidence, but it is encouraging to see public attitude towards drink-driving, with two thirds of drivers backing measures that could save lives and improve road safety.

“Implementing these devices could also allow insurers to set more accurate pricing for motorists that continuously drive safely.  Fitting the likes of a black box could not only improve safety but also build greater trust between drivers and insurers and put pounds back in the pockets of those who drive carefully and take road safety seriously.”