Highway Code: 61% of drivers have not read new guidance, AA survey suggests
Getty ImagesMore than three-fifths of UK motorists have not read recent updates to the Highway Code, according to the AA.
The motoring group's survey of 13,327 members suggested 8,090 (61%) drivers had not read changes made in January.
Some 6,972 motorists had heard about the new rules but had not read them yet, while 1,118 drivers were completely unaware of the changes.
The new guidance gives pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders greater priorities on the road.
Vehicles should give at least 1.5m (4ft 11in) space when overtaking cyclists, and 2m (6ft 7in) for horses.
Drivers and other road users should give way to pedestrians crossing at road junctions, and are not allowed to cut across vulnerable users when exiting a junction.
The Highway Code now advises cyclists to ride in the centre of lanes on quieter roads, in slower-moving traffic and when approaching junctions.
A hierarchy of road-users was also introduced, meaning a driver in a car, van or lorry now has a greater responsibility to watch out for others.
Mary Williams OBE, chief executive of road safety charity Brake, described the changes as "crucial" because they "better protect those most at risk, such as people walking and cycling".
"Every 22 minutes someone is killed or seriously injured on UK roads," she told the BBC, adding "more must be done" to promote new guidance so "all road users understand our shared responsibility to reduce deaths and serious injuries".
Ms Williams also urged "drivers in particular" to look at the updated code and "do their bit to put safety first by looking out for vulnerable road users".
Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns and advocacy at Cycling UK, said the changes are positive for all road users, but particularly those who are "vulnerable" such as cyclists.
"Sadly, these changes will be of limited benefit if the public aren't aware of them," he told the BBC. "Due to inaccurate reporting of the new rules when they came into effect, there was initially some confusion".
"The Department for Transport is now promoting a campaign to communicate the changes, however this really needs to be part of a long-term, well-funded awareness campaign," he said, adding that Cycling UK had created an online toolkit on the new rules.
The UK government said the changes would enhance safety for all road users.
When asked to pick five correct statements from the new Highway Code from a list of 10, the majority of respondents answered correctly.
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said the group was "concerned that so many still haven't read the rules".
He said: "While we are pleased that many of the changes can be successfully recalled, we'd like more drivers to know the rules outright so they can keep themselves and others safe.
"It is in everyone's interest to take every measure that helps avoid collisions and remove confusion from the road, so we urge those that still haven't read the updated code to do so as soon as possible."
The changes to the Highway Code also state:
- Drivers and passengers should use the 'Dutch Reach' method - opening a car door with the hand furthest away - to ensure they turn their head and look before opening
- Anyone using an electrical vehicle charging point should park as close to the point as possible, display a warning sign, and return charging cables neatly
- Cyclists in groups should be considerate of other road users and can ride two abreast
- Cars and motorbikes should allow cyclists to move across their path when travelling around a roundabout
- People cycling, riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle should respect the safety of walkers, but people walking should also take care not to obstruct them
Additional reporting by Sam Hancock and Oliver Slow