March 26

The UK driving test was launched on March 26, 1934, to assess driver competence before granting licenses. Candidates were evaluated on vehicle control, road etiquette, and understanding of traffic laws. The test initially consisted of a practical driving examination conducted by a police officer. Its introduction aimed to reduce road accidents and standardize driver training. Over time, the exam evolved to include theory components and stricter pass criteria. The 1934 driving test laid the foundation for modern driver licensing systems worldwide.

In the early hours of March 26, 2024, the Liberian-flagged container ship MV Dali lost power and veered off course, striking a central support pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge over the Patapsco River. The impact caused a section of the steel truss bridge to collapse, sending multiple vehicles into the river below and trapping drivers and passengers in submerged cars. Emergency crews rushed to the scene amidst chaotic traffic and severe structural instability, battling strong currents and debris. Six individuals lost their lives in the disaster, and several others were injured or went missing in the immediate aftermath. The collapsed span severed a critical transportation artery into Baltimore, disrupting commerce and commuter traffic for weeks. Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board launched a comprehensive inquiry into navigational protocols, shipboard power failures, and bridge design safety measures. In response, maritime authorities imposed new restrictions on large vessel movements at night, and state officials accelerated plans for a bridge replacement project to ensure long-term resilience.