Motorists have been urged to brush up on their road safety knowledge ahead of changes coming in later this year.
The Highway Code, advice and rules for British road users, will be amended at the end of the month with some new guidance.
But what are the new rules and how will they affect drivers? Here’s what we know.
The Highway Code is a set of information, advice, guides and mandatory rules for road users in the United Kingdom. It contains information about road signs, road markings, vehicle markings, and road safety. There are annexes on vehicle maintenance, licence requirements, documentation, penalties, and vehicle security.
It applies to all road users, including the most vulnerable – pedestrians, mobility scooter users, cyclists, horse riders, drivers and motorcyclists.
It was first published in 1931 and is regularly updated to reflect current practices.
The main focus will be introducing a risk-based hierarchy which gives priority to vulnerable road users.
They include stricter rules on mobile phone usage when driving such as:
Failing to observe this rule could cost you a £200 fixed penalty and six points on your licence.
If you have your phone on a hands-free device then you will still be allowed to use it for directions.
Another change will be the responsibility of a car driver to be aware of cyclists, pedestrians or horse riders.
For example, when a car is turning into a road or exiting a road, they should stop to let pedestrians cross.
Drivers should also open car doors using the “Dutch reach” method – with the hand on the opposite side to the door they are opening. This makes drivers turn their heads to look over their shoulders and reduces the likelihood of hitting a passing cyclist with the door.
Drivers should also leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
Cyclists will also have greater responsibility to look out for people walking.
Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said: “The changed guidance relating to the priority to be given at junctions has the potential to be confusing.
“Knowing that you had the right of way according to the new code is going to be little comfort if you’re the one who ends up getting hurt.”
