According to new research, more than half of drivers in the UK are still unsure about changes made to the Highway Code last year. Findings suggest thousands of motorists do not know who has priority on the roads, following 2022's changes - which meant pedestrians now have priority when crossing the road at junctions.
The survey showed more than half of motorists aren't familiar with the ‘hierarchy of road users’ - including when drivers should give pedestrians priority. The uncertainty is worrying as it heightens the risk of accidents on the road if drivers aren't looking out for pedestrians who may walk into the road when crossing at junctions.
The research was carried out by personal injury specialists Hodge Jones & Allen, with 2,000 British drivers tested on their knowledge of key rules in the Highway Code. In the ‘hierarchy of road users’, the lower a driver is, the higher the risk is that they could cause harm to others.
READ MORE: Common road thanks with headlights could cost drivers £1,000 fine under Highway Code
With this in mind, bus and lorry drivers are at the very bottom, because of the size and damage the vehicle could cause, and cyclists sit in second place. However, results from the survey found 55 per cent of UK drivers do not know this correct order, Birmingham Live reports.
Meanwhile, 73 per cent of pedestrians were able to identify the hierarchy of road users correctly. This was followed by 52 per cent of motorcyclists and 46 per cent of car/van users.
Sixty per cent of cyclists did not know the correct order and four out of ten believed they took priority over pedestrians. But, perhaps most concerning, was that only one in seven (17 per cent) bus and lorry drivers were familiar with the hierarchy - as almost half (47 per cent) believed they were top of the road hierarchy.
The older generation were more knowledgeable when it comes to the Highway Code, with two thirds of those aged 65+ able to name the correct order. However, only one in four young adults (25-34 year-olds) answered correctly.
Commenting on the findings, Leticia Williams, partner at Hodge Jones & Allen, said: “Our study reveals that a good number of highway users are still unaware of important highway code rules, including the road hierarchy.
"It is imperative, no matter what type of road user you are, we all take on our personal responsibility to act responsibly and to follow the Highway Code. Understanding and following the rules will help prevent future road accidents and save lives.
"Over the years, I have seen the outcomes of road traffic accidents, which could have been avoided, and the impact the accidents had on the injured person and their families. Understanding and following the Highway Code rules is imperative for us all.”
At the start of last year, the biggest update to the Highway Code in four years took place in an effort to improve the safety of the most vulnerable road users. The revised Highway Code came into effect from January 29, 2022, following calls to protect vulnerable road users.
From a driver's perspective, according to the RAC, some of the biggest changes included:
- Creation of a new ‘hierarchy of road users’ that ensures those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others
- Clarify existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements and when crossing the road
- Provide guidance on safe passing distances and ensuring cyclists and horse riders have priority when travelling straight ahead at junctions
At the time, RAC head of roads policy, Nicholas Lyes, said: "These changes to the Highway Code are substantial, so it’s vitally important they are communicated clearly. In theory, they should make our roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
"But unless everyone is aware of them, there’s a risk of angry clashes and, worse still, unnecessary collisions. Nobody wants to be on the right side of the Highway Code changes but in the back of an ambulance because of confusion on the part of a driver or any other road user."
READ NEXT:
- 'No one wants us', say Nottingham asylum seekers who could be moved on to old ferries
- Nottingham tram's full list of fare increases confirmed
- Little-known Highway Code rule could land dog owners with £5,000 fine
- Proposed MOT changes could see drivers paying 'more in the long run' says expert
- Missing Highway Code petrol issue could land drivers with £100 fine and points on their licence
