New Highway Code Rules

At the beginning of the year the Highway Code was updated with new rules. These are to improve the safety of the most vulnerable road users, so we all need to be aware of them. Of course we have to be aware that drivers may not have caught up with the new rules, so caution is always a good idea. It’s not very useful to find yourself on the right side of the rules, but injured because someone else wasn’t aware of the change.

Hierarchy of road users

This concept has a system to order road users depending on their level of risk. The groups are:

• Pedestrians
• Cyclists, horse riders and drivers of horse drawn vehicles
• Drivers

Rule H1 applies to all road users. This states that it’s important that everyone is aware of the Highway Code, and their responsibility for the safety of others. The rule reminds us that it may not be obvious that other road users may have impaired sight, hearing or mobility.

Rule H2 applies to everyone except pedestrians. It reads “At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.” Previously drivers were told to give way to pedestrians if they “have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road”. It is not a big change, it only applies to junctions, and means you have to be aware that a pedestrian may step out into the road to be able to cross. A good driver should be aware of pedestrians and should be extra vigilant when turning into a junction. Pedestrians need to be aware that they can’t just step out into any road and expect the traffic to stop. A new addition also makes it clear to pedestrians that they should “cross at a place where drivers can see you.”.

Staying Safe

Rule H2 also advises on priorities at zebra crossings. This tells drivers they:

• MUST give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a crossing
• SHOULD give way when a pedestrian is waiting to cross

Rule H3 applies to drivers and motorcyclists:

“You should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles going ahead when you are turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane, just as you would not turn across the path of another motor vehicle.”

Cyclists also have advice about their position on the road.

Cyclists should ride in the centre of their lane:

• on quiet roads and streets
• in slower-moving traffic
• when approaching junctions or narrow roads

If these conditions have not been met, and it is safe to do so, cyclists should allow vehicles moving faster than them to overtake, while keeping at least 0.5 metres – or further – from the kerb themselves.

Basically drivers should give way to cyclists, and cyclists should try to ensure they are not holding traffic up when it is safe to do so.

 

It can feel difficult to keep up with new rules, but these new Highway Code rules are keeping everyone safe on the road.

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