The Highway Code 2022: One-Third Of Drivers Unaware Of Changes
The Highway Code, the official advice, rules, and guidelines for British road users, has been updated with new rules for 2022…
But a recent study has found that 1 in 3 drivers are unaware of the changes.
The advice, information, guides, and mandatory rules for road users in the UK is revised each year to reflect our changing driving habits, technology, and essential updates.
The Highway Code was first published in 1931 to establish a set of rules for the road, and given the ever-changing nature of vehicles, roads, environments, and society, it must be regularly updated and amended.
So, What’s New For 2022?
The most important change for 2022 is the introduction of a ‘risk-based hierarchy’, which will give priority to vulnerable road users.
This follows safety concerns about mobile phone use while driving, road users other than those in vehicles, and who is given priority on the roads.
Drivers should leave at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, as well as giving them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
Priority should be given to vulnerable road users when turning into or exiting a road at a junction, which is a key change for ALL road users to be aware of.
You might be forgiven for thinking that mobile phone use while driving is already illegal – but that’s not quite the case…
When the laws around mobile phone use were first introduced, phones were used almost exclusively for text messaging and making phone calls.
Changes To Mobile Phone Use While Driving
Over the last 20 years, our use of mobile phones and handheld digital devices has evolved to include an extensive array of activities. So, stricter rules on mobile phone use have been introduced, and include:
- Selecting a song on your playlist
- Playing games on your phone, even when stopped at a red light
- It will be an offence to take photos and videos
Importantly, if you have your phone on a hands-free device, you WILL still be allowed to use it for directions – this was a hot topic of debate in the run-up to the new rules being announced.
Failure to observe any of these rules could land you with a £200 fixed penalty notice AND 6 points on your licence.
Are You Aware Of The Changes To The Highway Code?
Because the changes to the Highway Code mean that there is a change to who is given priority at junctions, this affects everyday driving for all of us.
And with 1 in 3 drivers being unaware that anything has changed, it presents a concern around driver safety, particularly for those that are regularly on the roads.
What do you think of the changes to the Highway Code for 2022? Are you and your drivers aware of the changes? Do you use a mobile phone while driving for navigation or any other reason? Do you think the changes will make the roads safer? Let us know in the comments below.
