New research has revealed that most UK motorists are unfamiliar with recent Highway Code changes.
According to a survey carried out by AA, 61 per cent of drivers are not familiar with new Highway Code rules introduced at the start of the year.
The Highway Code details rules and guidance for road users across Britain. Nine sections were altered in January to add or amend 50 rules, with many geared towards providing greater protection for vulnerable road users.
READ MORE — Scotland Covid winter booster explained including who qualifies for vaccine
As reported by the Daily Record, 52 per cent of drivers who completed the survey were aware of the changes but had not read up about them. Meanwhile, 10 per cent of motorists between the ages of 18 and 54 were fully unaware of the updates.
When told to pick five correct statements from the updated Highway Code out of a list of 10, most of the respondents did so without error.
Managing director of AA Accident Assist Tim Rankin stated: “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.”
Read on for a summary of the Highway Code changes made in January that all drivers should be aware of.
Highway Code changes made this year
Hierarchy of road users
A hierarchy of road users was launched, which means that drivers now have more responsibility to protect cyclists, pedestrians, and those on horses. Cyclists also have greater responsibility to watch out for people walking.
People crossing the road at junctions
According to the updated guidance, traffic should give way when people walking are waiting to cross the road at junctions. Additionally, if people have begun crossing and drivers want to turn into the road, then the pedestrians have priority and motorists should give way.
Positioning in the road when cycling
It is recommended that cyclists ride in the middle of lanes on quieter roads, as well as in slow-moving traffic and when coming up to junctions. Cyclists in groups can ride two abreast, and should consider the needs of other road users.
People cycling, riding a horse and driving horse-drawn vehicles on roundabouts
Drivers should let cyclists move across their path when passing around a roundabout. This also applies to those who are on a horse and those who are driving a horse-drawn carriage.
Overtaking when driving or cycling
When overtaking a cyclist travelling as speeds of up to 30mph, drivers should leave a minimum of 1.5 metres between them. When overtaking at speeds greater than this, even more space should be left.
Additionally, motorists need to give at least 2 metres of space when overtaking people on horses or people driving horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph.
You are allowed to cross a double-white line if it is necessary to overtake a cyclist or somebody with a horse if they are moving at 10 mph or less.
People cycling at junctions
If you are turning into or out of a side road and are on a bike, you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross.
According to the code, cyclists should move forward as if they were driving a vehicle where there are no separate cyclist facilities. For example, they should position themselves in the middle of their chosen lane where safe to do so.
Walking, cycling or riding in shared spaces
Cyclists and those riding a horse or horse-drawn vehicle should be aware of people walking in shared spaces and protect them. Pedestrians must also ensure they do not obstruct or put them in danger.
Cyclists should not pass pedestrians or people riding a horse or horse-drawn vehicle too close or at a high speed, especially from behind. They also need to slow down when necessary and allow pedestrians to know their position, and must not pass a horse on the horse's left.
Parking, charging and leaving vehicles
Drivers should open their car door with the hand furthest away and make sure that they turn their head and look before opening, in what is referred to as the 'Dutch Reach' method.
READ MORE —
- All the DWP cost of living payment dates between now and the end of 2022
- Pubs would need to increase price of pint to £20 to cover costs this winter
- Glasgow Universal Credit claimants among most likely to be impacted by crackdown
- Glasgow's best city centre fish and chip shops ranked according to TripAdvisor
- DWP issues Winter Fuel Payment update as some claimants qualify for £300 boost
