8 Changes to the Highway Code: do you know what they are?

Introduction:

Staying up-to-date with the latest changes to the UK Highway Code is crucial for drivers to understand to ensure road safety and compliance. In this blog post, we will explore eight key areas of revision to the Highway Code, highlighting what drivers should be aware of.

1. Hierarchy of Road Users:

The revised Highway Code now emphasises a hierarchy of road users, acknowledging the responsibility of all drivers to prioritize the safety of more vulnerable parties such as pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. Drivers should be aware of the importance of giving way and exercising caution when sharing the road with these vulnerable users.

2. People Crossing the Road at Junctions:

The updated Highway Code places a greater emphasis on giving way to pedestrians when turning at junctions. Drivers must be aware of their surroundings and yield to pedestrians, ensuring their safety and promoting a pedestrian-friendly approach at intersections.

3. Walking, Cycling, or Riding in Shared Spaces:

The Highway Code now provides clearer guidelines for walking, cycling, or riding in shared spaces. Drivers should be considerate and respectful of others using shared spaces, and always make sure they are sharing the road responsibly. Read more on these guidelines on the Government’s website.

4. Positioning in the Road When Cycling:

The revised Highway Code offers new guidelines on how cyclists should position themselves on the road. Cyclists are now advised to take a central position on the road when necessary to prevent unsafe overtaking and ensure their visibility to other road users.

5. Overtaking When Driving or Cycling:

This update highlights the importance of providing adequate passing distances when overtaking vulnerable road users such as cyclists, horse riders, or pedestrians. Drivers of vehicles need to exercise patience, maintain a safe distance, and only overtake when it is safe to do so.

6. People Cycling at Junctions:

The 6th recent revision to the Highway Code provides additional guidance for people cycling at junctions. It is important that cyclists are positioning themselves clearly and correctly at junctions, ensuring they are visible to other road users and can safely negotiate the intersection without impacting other road users. Cyclists are also advised that they should give way to pedestrians under the new road user hierarchy.

7. People Cycling, Riding a Horse, and Driving Horse-Drawn Vehicles on Roundabouts:

The updated Highway Code introduces new guidelines for cyclists, horse riders, and drivers of horse-drawn vehicles when navigating roundabouts. All drivers should read and be aware of the specific rules and precautions to take when encountering roundabouts to ensure the safety of all road users involved.

8. Parking, Charging, and Leaving Vehicles:

The revised Highway Code now includes guidance on parking, charging, and leaving vehicles, with a particular focus on electric vehicles (EVs). There is a new, appropriate etiquette and regulations associated with EV charging points, promoting efficient and safe charging practices.

In an effort to enhance road safety for cyclists, the Highway Code now recommends the use of the 'Dutch Reach' technique. This technique involves using the hand farthest from the door (usually the left hand in the UK) to open the car door. By adopting this practice, drivers can better check for oncoming cyclists, reducing the risk of dangerous collisions.

Conclusion:

Staying informed about recent changes to the UK Highway Code is essential for all road users in order to promote safer driving practices. By understanding the revisions in the eight key areas discussed above, UK drivers play a vital role in fostering a responsible and compliant driving culture. Stay attentive to any future changes in the Highway Code, as road safety remains a priority in an evolving automotive landscape.