With the highway code set to change on January 29th, here’s what you should know about the latest amendments.
RULE H1
Drivers of larger vehicles bear more responsibility on the road, especially in regards to more vulnerable road users:
‘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 principle applies most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, vans/minibuses, cars/taxis and motorcycles.’
RULE H2
‘At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.’
This rule, aimed at drivers, motorbike riders, horse riders and cyclists, effectively means if you turn onto a road and a pedestrian is waiting to cross, you should give way to them.
RULE H3
‘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.’
This rule is more for drivers and motorcyclists. Instead of turning at a junction that may cause stopping or swerving, just wait for the right moment!
OTHER RULES
Several other rule changes/introductions include:
- Cyclists should take care when overtaking pedestrians and horses and should alert them using their bell.
- Cyclists are advised to ride in the centre of their lane:
- making them more visible on quiet roads, in slower traffic, and on the approach to junctions.
- making them more visible on quiet roads, in slower traffic, and on the approach to junctions.
- When riding a bicycle on busy roads, leave enough room so drivers can overtake when it is safe.
Whilst the rules of the highway code are only advisory, courts can still use them to establish liability in the event of an accident.
So, you may face charges if you are not complying with the Highway Code.
Just looking out for all you riders, but most importantly…
Stay safe!