Despite a number of new motoring laws being introduced, it seems a high proportion of road users remain unaware of the changing legislation and what it means for them.
According to a survey 61% of motorists had not read updates to the Highway Code and furthermore 8% were completely unaware of any changes.
1 Hierachy of road users
The Highway Code was updated in 2022 to reflect a
hierarchy of road users, ultimately aiming to improve safety for the most vulnerable road users, i.e. pedestrians, horse-riders and cyclists.
The hierarchy dictates that ‘those in charge of vehicles that can
cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.’
2 Giving way to pedestrians at junctions
The Highway Code now determines that pedestrians have
priority at junctions, zebra crossings and parallel crossings.
Where a pedestrian is either waiting to, or has already
begun to cross a road, any other traffic must give way.
3 Being safe around cyclists
Drivers should be aware of the latest guidance on safe passing distances and situations where cyclists have priority. The updated code says motorists must leave at least 1.5m gap when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30mph and allow more space when overtaking at higher speeds. Drivers are also expected to give priority to cyclists at roundabouts and not attempt to overtake.
4 Safely parking and exiting vehicles
The Highway Code recommends a new method to safely exit a vehicle, known as the ‘Dutch Reach’. This involves opening a vehicle door from the inside with the hand furthest away from the handle, meaning the person has to turn their body and look over their shoulder, increasing visibility of passing pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
5 Safe use of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points
The Highway Code advises that EV drivers charging their vehicles should park close enough to the charge point to avoid creating a trip hazard. It also recommends once charging is complete, that all cables and connectors are stored neatly
6 Leaving the phone alone
29% of all UK drivers admit to making or receiving calls whilst driving.
Rules regarding the use of mobile phones whilst driving have been tightened. The revised law clearly states that it’s illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving.
Drivers caught breaking the above conditions can be fined £200 and receive six points on their licence.
7 Speed limiters
Despite the UK’s departure from the EU, a law regarding speed limiters has been introduced. Speed limiters are safety devices fitted to vehicles to prevent them from exceeding pre-set speed limits. Since July 2022, it’s become mandatory that all new cars are fitted with speed limiters or Intelligent Speed Assistance Systems (ISA).
The technology uses sign-reading cameras and digital maps of speed limit data to reduce engine torque and keep the vehicle within the current speed limit. The European Transport Safety Council believes that this could reduce collisions by 30% and deaths by 20%. Furthermore, fewer collisions could lead to lower motor insurance premiums.