The majority of motorists are not aware of recent Highway Code rule changes, a new survey has found.
A poll carried out by AA found that 61 percent of 13,300 motorists were not aware of recent Highway Code rule updates made in January 2022.
The Highway Code contains advice and rules for people on Britain’s roads. Nine sections were updated this year with 50 rules added or amended, aimed at providing more protection for vulnerable road users.
More than half (52 percent) of those questioned by the AA had heard about the new rules but not studied them. One in 10 (10 percent) drivers aged 18-54 were completely unaware of the updates, compared with 5 percent of those aged 55 and above.
When asked to identify five correct statements included in the updated Highway Code from a list of 10, the majority of respondents did so correctly.
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said: “For many the updated Highway Code formalises safe and sensible roadcraft, however we are concerned that so many still haven’t read the rules.
“While we are pleased that many of the changes can be successfully recalled, we’d like more drivers to know the rules outright so they can keep themselves and others safe.
“It is in everyone’s interest to take every measure that helps avoid collisions and remove confusion from the road, so we urge those that still haven’t read the updated Code to do so as soon as possible.”
A communications drive was launched by the Department for Transport’s road safety offshoot Think! in mid-February.
Highway Code changes made in January
Hierarchy of road users
A hierarchy of road users was also introduced, meaning someone driving has more responsibility to watch out for people cycling, walking or riding a horse, and cyclists have more responsibility to be aware of pedestrians.
People crossing the road at junctions
The new guidance means traffic should give way when pedestrians are waiting to cross at junctions.
If people have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, the people crossing have priority and the traffic should give way
Positioning in the road when cycling
Cyclists are advised to ride in the centre of lanes on quieter roads, in slower-moving traffic and when approaching junctions.
People cycling in groups can ride two abreast, and should be considerate of the needs of other road users when riding in groups.
People cycling, riding a horse and driving horse-drawn vehicles on roundabouts
Motorists should also allow cyclists to move across their path when travelling around a roundabout.
This rule also applies to people who are riding a horse and driving horse-drawn vehicles.
Overtaking when driving or cycling
When overtaking someone cycling at speeds of up to 30mph leaving at least 1.5 metres. You should give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
You must allow at least 2 metres when overtaking people riding horses or driving horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph.
You may cross a double-white line if necessary (provided the road is clear) to overtake someone cycling or riding a horse if they are travelling at 10 mph or less.
People cycling at junctions
When turning into or out of a side road, people cycling should give way to people walking who are crossing or waiting to cross.
The code recommends that people cycling should proceed as if they were driving a vehicle where there are no separate cyclist facilities. This includes positioning themselves in the centre of their chosen lane, where they feel able to do this safely.
Walking, cycling or riding in shared spaces
People cycling, riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle should respect the safety of people walking in shared spaces, but people walking should also take care not to obstruct or endanger them.
People cycling are asked to not pass people walking, riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle closely or at high speed, particularly from behind
they must also slow down when necessary and let people walking know they are there and should not pass a horse on the horse’s left
Parking, charging and leaving vehicles
Motorists should now open a car door with the hand furthest away to ensure they turn their head and look before opening, this is called the 'Dutch Reach' method.
The changes were advisory, so non-compliance does not automatically result in a fine.
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