Highway Code changes could cause havoc on UK roads as drivers told they 'need to know the rules'

The flagship update saw several major changes introduced including the "hierarchy of road users" which gave the largest vehicles on the road the greatest responsibility for their actions.

These new measures were launched to ensure the most vulnerable road users, notably pedestrians and cyclists, would be given extra protections, including at junctions and on rural roads.

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Although the new rules aimed to improve road safety, one in three drivers admitted to not knowing that the rule existed, with a further 12 per cent considering the rule to be untrue.

The AA asked a similar question regarding the hierarchy of responsibility one month before the rules were introduced and found that 68 per cent of people were unaware of any rule changes.

The Highway Code guidance instructed that all road users still had a responsibility to ensure everyone on the roads was safe, irrespective of the hierarchy of road users.

While many were unaware of the hierarchy of responsibility, 85 per cent were successfully able to recall advice that drivers intending to turn left should allow cyclists to pass before setting off.

Similarly, eight in 10 knew that drivers should leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, as well as leaving more of a gap when travelling faster.

Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said: "While the majority of drivers can recall important updates to the Highway Code, the flagship change that puts more responsibility on those behind the wheel remains unknown by too many drivers.

“Three in 10 drivers admit they haven’t looked at the Highway Code since they passed their test. New drivers and those learning to drive will be the ones most aware of the update, but it is long-standing motorists that need to be contacted to ensure they know the rules."

Only half of all survey respondents said they were aware that the Highway Code update saw updated scenarios where cyclists were reminded that they could ride two abreast in the centre of the lane.

Around 56 per cent of drivers also incorrectly believed that long-established rules on when horns cannot be used were adopted in 2022, while 42 per cent said the national speed limit for towing caravans falls to 50mph on a single carriageway.

As a result of the data, the AA has called on all road users to familiarise themselves with the Highway Code and the new changes to ensure that everyone on the street can be as safe as possible.

At the time of the Highway Code announcement, the Government confirmed that it would provide extra funding to the THINK! road safety scheme to roll out adverts across the radio informing motorists of the changes.

Rankin said it was "vital" to make sure that all drivers are aware of the changes to reduce the risk of accidents on the road, especially given that many have not looked at the Code since passing their test.

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He concluded: "Each year, millions of drivers are contacted with car tax reminders and licence renewals.

"This would be the ideal opportunity to inform everyone of the updated rules and keep the changes at the front of their minds.”