26 Jan, 2022/ by National Accident Helpline /News
Highway Code changes: Positive changes could have limited benefits due to the lack of awareness from the public
With new Highway Code changes due to come into effect on 29 January, we are urging road users to be aware of the rules to help reduce potential road accidents.
The new rules, which have been introduced to improve road safety, mean drivers will need to have greater awareness and consideration of other road users and give way to pedestrians and cyclists at junctions and road crossings.
However, with recent reports showing that two in three UK drivers aren't aware of the new changes - according to The AA - it leaves us questioning whether we will see an increase in road accidents.
The new rules explained
The Highway Code will introduce a ‘hierarchy of road users', meaning those who are a greater risk to others on the road - such as HGV, bus and car drivers - will have greater responsibility to keep more vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, safe. The new hierarchy is among the new changes and forms rule H1 of the new rules.
Rule H2 focuses on new priorities at junctions - meaning motorists, horse riders and cyclists must give way to pedestrians waiting or crossing at a junction. Finally, rule H3 will also see a new priority for cyclists over cars, giving them right of way when turning into or out of a junction, changing direction or lane.
While we welcome the Highway Code changes, we are concerned that there has been insufficient public education and, as a result, a lack of awareness which could potentially lead to an increase in road accidents.
Potential misunderstanding about the new priorities at road junctions is a recipe for disaster, particularly if drivers don't get up to speed with the changes relating to junctions. Since 2018, we have helped 6,302 pedestrians and 3,853 cyclists to make a claim after being injured in a road accident - averaging more than 2,500 claims a year.
Stricter use on mobile phones
Stricter rules on mobile phone use at the wheel are also being introduced. While making a call or sending a text while driving is already illegal, the new changes will also prohibit taking photos or videos, choosing a song from a playlist or playing games on a phone.
The new rules provide important guidance and will almost certainly be used by courts in deciding who is at fault for an accident or whether a criminal offence has been committed.
It's important for all road users to be aware of the changes, if they are involved in a road or traffic accident, they could be eligible to make a claim under the new rules - particularly pedestrians and cyclists.
In order to help keep road users safe, especially those classed as more vulnerable, we'd strongly recommend that the public familiarise themselves with the new laws ahead of 29 January, and be vigilant to those who are at a higher risk of being injured.