Drivers have been warned they could be fined up to £5,000 for breaking a major Highway Code rule which risks putting pedestrians in danger.
In 2022, the code changed its rules and regulations to promote greater safety for pedestrians, but millions of drivers have still been caught breaching the guidelines.
Rule 170 of the Highway Code was one of the sections which were updated to reinforce pedestrian priority at junctions.
It states: "Take extra care at junctions. You should watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians including powered wheelchairs/mobility scooter users as they are not always easy to see. Be aware that they may not have seen or heard you if you are approaching from behind."
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Drivers could see themselves hit with fines for breaking rule 170 of the Highway Code
PA/GETTYLara O’Donnell, head of personal injury at CEL Solicitors, said that the Highway Code was updated as part of a wider effort to improve public safety and prioritise vulnerable road users.
But despite the change being nearly three years old, many road users fail to follow this rule which can increase the risk of accidents at junctions where pedestrians presume priority but motorists don’t stop, she explained.
"Pedestrians who are harmed by a motorist failing to adhere to this rule may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver," O’Donnell added.
Under UK law, a lack of awareness or a disregard for this updated rule could see drivers charged with careless or inconsiderate driving and slapped with a £5,000 fine as well as up to nine points put on their licence.
O’Donnell sharedthat the key factors a pedestrian would look at when pursuing a personal injury claim include "negligence, injuries they’ve sustained and the evidence".
"If the driver ignored the rule, then they are at fault. The extent of injuries would determine the compensation amount, but a pedestrian would need evidence such as witness statements, CCTV and dashcam footage to support the claim," she warned.
While the rule was brought in to improve vulnerable road user safety, there still remains a lack of awareness among many drivers.
"Unfortunately, as it’s not a given that all road users will adhere to this rule, pedestrians need to protect themselves," she said.
Drivers are now being urged to remainvigilant, even though you have the right of way, check that it’s clear or a driver has seen you before crossing at a junction.
She stated: "Report any incidents where drivers fail to comply, as this could ensure repeated offenders are dealt with by the authorities.
"Your health is a priority, and you should get any injuries assessed as soon as possible. Report the incident to the police and gather evidence. Hopefully, witnesses will have stopped to help you, try to get their contact details in case you need statements in future.
"If you do decide to claim against the driver, seek legal support for guidance. Compensation can be helpful when you’re getting back on your feet, especially if your injuries cause you to miss work or have an impact on your day-to-day life."
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Drivers who fail to adhere to the changes in the Highway Code could be fined £5,000
PAThe Highway Code hopes to improve safety for both road users and pedestrians with drivers facing hefty fines for failing to adhere to the rules.
