Some Drivers Still Struggling with Highway Code Changes

Some Drivers are Still Struggling with the Highway Code changes

A year has passed since changes were made to the Highway Code, yet millions of UK motorists may still be unsure about the rules of the road. The Highway Code is updated regularly and is essential reading that applies to all road users.

An Aviva Quotemehappy Connect study of 1,500 drivers in the UK showed that knowledge of the changes were inconsistent among motorists.

The study revealed that less than one-in-five correctly could identify some of the updated details. While 91% of motorists are confident in their ability to drive safely and efficiently, only 76% said that they were confident they would pass a practical driving test if they took it today, and only 65% felt confident that they would pass a driving theory test.

Matthew Washer, Head of Connected Motor at Aviva stated: “There are a wealth of tools and tips available to help motorists drive more safely. Our Quotemehappy Connect app is designed with younger drivers in mind, to monitor driving and provide feedback, guidance and coaching to help them become safer drivers.

“We’ve had a really encouraging response to Quotemehappy Connect insurance since its introduction in December. More than half of our customers are receiving weekly points because of their safe driving.

“However, it’s important that people know the rules of the roads too. This latest research demonstrates that people aren’t always up to speed with the latest Highway Code changes, so we’d encourage them to review their knowledge on a regular basis, so they know how to stick to the rules when behind the wheel.”

The research initially suggests that younger drivers could have better knowledge of the Highway Code than more mature motorists. Over half of drivers aged 17-24 say that they review the Highway Code at least once a year, compared to only 24% of motorists aged over 55. 65% of drivers aged under 25 said that they were confident in their Highway Code knowledge, compared to only 46% of drivers over the age of 55.

However, the study found that drivers aged 17-24 on average scored 5 out of 12 when questioned on selected points of the Highway Code, compared to 7 out of 12 for motorists aged 55 and over. Only three of the 1,508 drivers who were surveyed answered all 12 questions correctly, all of which were drivers aged 55+.

Being aware of the changes is incredibly important, especially as many of the changes pertain to driving safely around more vulnerable road users to make the roads safer for everyone. If you feel like you need to brush up on your knowledge, some of the changes made to the Highway Code last year include:

Hierarchy of Road Users

The hierarchy places road users who are most at risk at the top of the hierarchy. This means that pedestrians and cyclists are at the top of the hierarchy.

People Crossing the Road at Junctions

Drivers should give way to people who are crossing or waiting to cross at a junction. The pedestrians will always have priority, and drivers should be aware of this change. People driving, riding a motorcycle, or cycling must give way to people on a zebra crossing and people walking and cycling on a parallel crossing.

Walking, Cycling and Riding in Shared Spaces

People cycling are asked to not pass people walking, riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle closely or at a high speed. They are also asked to slow down when necessary and let people know they are approaching (by using a bell, as an example).
Road users must remember that people walking may be deaf, blind or partially sighted and must keep that in mind. Road users are also asked to not pass a horse on the horse’s left.

Positioning on the Road When Cycling

Cyclists are encouraged to ride in the centre of their lane on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions and road narrowings. They are also encouraged to keep at least 0.5 meters (or just over 1.5 feet) away from the kerb when riding on busy roads with vehicles moving faster than them. It also specifies that cyclists should take care when passing parked vehicles, leaving enough room (a doors width/1 meter) to avoid being hit if a car door is opened suddenly.

Overtaking

There is updated guidance relating to safely overtaking other road users. It advises leaving at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds up to 30mph. When passing people riding horses or horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10mph, they should allow at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space.
When passing a person walking in the road, drivers should allow 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space and keep to a low speed, never overtaking when it is unsafe or impossible to meet these requirements.

People Cycling at Junctions

The code recommends that people cycling should proceed as if they were driving a vehicle when there are no separate cyclist facilities. They should position themselves in the centre of their chosen lane when safe.
This is so that they are made as visible as possible and to avoid being overtaken in situations where it is dangerous to do so.

People Cycling, Riding a Horse or Driving Horse-Drawn Vehicles on Roundabouts

Motorists should not make any attempt to overtake cyclists, horse-riders and horse-drawn vehicles on a roundabout, who are advised to stay in the left-hand lane of a roundabout.

Parking, Charging and Leaving Vehicles

Motorists are advised to use a new technique called the “Dutch reach” when exiting their vehicle. They should open their door with their hand on the opposite side to the door. This will make them turn their head to look over their shoulder behind him, which means they would be more aware of cyclists or other vehicles approaching. For those using an electric vehicle charge point, they should park as close to the charge point as possible, display a warning sign if possible and return charging cables neatly to minimize hazards to other road users.

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