Road Safety Week 2024: Do You Know The Highway Code?
Understanding the Updates for Road Safety
Today’s blog for our Road Safety Week 2024 campaign focuses on understanding the Highway Code updates. It’s vital for all road users to familiarise themselves with these changes. Introduced in January 2022, the updates aim to protect vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and motorcyclists. At Gildeas Solicitors, we believe that understanding these changes is crucial for enhancing road safety and preventing accidents.
The Hierarchy of Road Users
At the heart of the recent updates is the new “hierarchy of road users.” This concept emphasises that those who operate vehicles capable of causing the most harm bear the greatest responsibility to ensure the safety of others. Rule H1 of the Highway Code states: “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.”
This hierarchy underscores the responsibility of drivers of cars, vans, coaches, buses, and HGVs to reduce risks for more vulnerable road users.
Key Changes to the Highway Code
Despite the importance of these updates, many drivers remain unaware of the changes, which is concerning given the latest road casualty statistics. In 2023, vulnerable road users accounted for over 38% of road casualties in Great Britain, with a quarter of fatalities being pedestrians.
Some key updates to the Highway Code include:
- Right of Way at Junctions: Drivers must give way to pedestrians waiting to cross and should not cut across cyclists or horse riders at junctions.
- Shared Spaces: Cyclists should avoid passing pedestrians or horse riders closely or at high speeds, ensuring they announce their presence safely.
- Cyclist Positioning: Cyclists are encouraged to ride in the centre of the lane on quiet roads and keep a safe distance from the kerb on busier roads.
- Safe Overtaking Distances: When overtaking cyclists, drivers should allow at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) of space at speeds up to 30mph, increasing this distance at higher speeds.
- Dutch Reach Technique: Drivers should use the “Dutch Reach” method when opening vehicle doors to avoid collisions with cyclists or pedestrians.
The Impact of Increased Awareness
Education and awareness are key to the successful implementation of these changes. A recent survey by the RAC indicated that only 18% of drivers believe the updates have made roads safer for pedestrians, highlighting the need for better communication about these important changes.
Younger drivers (aged 17 to 24) tend to view the changes more positively compared to older drivers. This generational gap underscores the necessity for widespread education campaigns that target all demographics to enhance road safety awareness.
The Role of Government and Road Safety Organisations
In response to these challenges, the Government relaunched its THINK! campaign, which encourages road users to consider the safety of others. However, many road safety organisations, including RoSPA, advocate for more comprehensive educational initiatives to ensure that the new hierarchy of road users is widely understood.
Conclusion
This Road Safety Week, we encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the updated Highway Code. Understanding these rules not only helps protect vulnerable road users but also contributes to safer roads for all.
For further information on the changes to the Highway Code and how they impact your safety, visit the official Highway Code website.
At Gildeas Solicitors, we are committed to supporting you in the event of a road traffic accident. If you have been involved in an incident that was not your fault, contact our dedicated New Claims team at 0141 331 6070 for expert legal advice.
Your safety is our priority, and together, we can work towards safer roads for everyone.
For more information on Road Safety Week 2024, please visit: https://www.brake.org.uk/road-safety-week
Gildeas Solicitors is a recognised law firm specialising in personal injury claims, supporting you throughout Scotland from our offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh. We’re passionate about what we do, whilst putting our clients’ interests first. That’s why we make personal injury personal.
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