Highway Code Updates
On Saturday (29 January) change to The Highway Code will come into force, introducing a hierarchy of road users dependent on their level of vulnerability.
Vulnerability is assessed as who is most likely to be injured if involved in a collision, and from most to least vulnerable are:
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Horse riders
- Motorcyclists
- Cars
- Vans/minibuses
- Large passenger vehicles/heavy goods vehicles
While everyone still has responsibility for their own safety, the updated Highway Code puts more responsibility on those who can do the greatest harm to reduce the danger or threat they may pose. Some examples of new rules to support this new hierarchy are:
- Pedestrians waiting to cross the road at a zebra crossing or at a junction have priority over other road users.
- Cyclists should ride in the centre of a lane, unless it is safe for them to temporarily move to the side to allow faster vehicles to pass.
- Drivers and passengers are advised to use a new technique to open vehicle doors. The ‘Dutch Reach’ advises you to use your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening, causing your body to naturally twist to better check for other road users.
For a full list of changes, please visit the Highway Code website.
