Drivers issued urgent Highway Code warning as millions of motorists risk breaking road rules
Nearly half of British drivers remain unaware of crucial Highway Code rules introduced three years ago, raising serious concerns about vulnerable road user protection.
The “hierarchy of road users” rules, implemented in January 2022, were designed to provide greater protection for those most at risk in collisions, including pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists.
Road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist has warned that these important changes are still poorly understood by many Britons potentially compromising the effectiveness of the safety measures.
The new rules introduced several key changes to protect vulnerable road users including drivers needing to give priority to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross at junctions.
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The changes also require motorists to give way to cyclists proceeding straight ahead when turning in or out of junctions.
Safe passing distances and speeds were established for overtaking cyclists and horse riders.
The rules also promote the “Dutch Reach” method when opening car doors to prevent accidents with passing cyclists.
Recent statistics reveal the ongoing toll on vulnerable road users, with 405 pedestrians killed and 6,067 seriously injured on Britain’s roads in 2023.
In the same year, 87 cyclists lost their lives, with 4,942 suffering serious injuries. Horse-related incidents also remained concerning, with 2024 figures from the British Horse Society showing 58 horses killed and 97 seriously injured on roads.
The Society reported 3,118 road incidents, primarily involving vehicles passing too close or too fast to horses.
GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said the issue has been “one of the most frequently asked questions by members, many of whom feel they do not have a clear understanding of their increased responsibility.”
He said: “The changes were welcome when they came out as they reflect a shift towards prioritising the safety of vulnerable road users.
“However, they have no chance of being effective when so few drivers appear to know about them or are confused as to what they should be doing differently.”
GEM Motoring Assist is calling for immediate Government action to address the knowledge gap among drivers.
Luckhurst called on the Government to lead the way in correcting the situation to ensure all road users are kept safe.
He emphasised that “a clear communication campaign to car drivers is vital if we want them to know what they are now expected to do differently.”
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The organisation warns that without better understanding of these rules, the intended safety benefits for vulnerable road users cannot be fully realised.