Two years since the introduction of significant changes to the Highway Code, a new study by the RAC indicates that half of British drivers are still unsure whether the updates have made roads safer for pedestrians. The revisions, implemented in January 2022, aimed to create a clearer 'hierarchy of road users', placing those most at risk in the event of a collision – pedestrians and cyclists – at the top.
The updated Code introduced new guidance, including the requirement for drivers to give way to pedestrians waiting to cross at a junction that they are turning into or out of. It also clarified that drivers should give way to cyclists when turning into or out of a junction, and when cyclists are travelling straight ahead at a junction. These changes were designed to enhance the safety of vulnerable road users and reduce the number of casualties on UK roads.
Despite the two-year period since their implementation, the RAC's research highlights a persistent lack of clarity among a substantial portion of the driving public. This uncertainty raises questions about the effectiveness of the communication strategy surrounding the changes and whether the intended safety benefits are being fully realised. For the changes to be truly effective, it is crucial that all road users understand and adhere to the updated rules.
The RAC has called for greater efforts in communication and education to ensure that all road users are fully aware of their responsibilities under the revised Highway Code. They suggest that ongoing campaigns and clearer educational materials could help to embed the new rules and reduce the current level of confusion. Without widespread understanding, the potential for improved safety remains constrained.
The Department for Transport, which oversees the Highway Code, has previously stated that the changes were introduced following extensive consultation and aimed to modernise the rules to reflect contemporary road usage patterns. The long-term objective is to foster a safer environment for everyone, particularly those who are not encased in vehicles and are therefore more vulnerable to serious injury in a collision.
The findings from the RAC's study underscore the challenge of changing established behaviours and norms on the road. While the intent of the Highway Code revisions was clear – to protect the most vulnerable – the journey towards universal understanding and compliance appears to be ongoing. Continued monitoring and public awareness initiatives will likely be necessary to achieve the desired safety outcomes.