Most UK drivers aren't aware of new rules for pedestrians crossing roads
A study conducted by the AA found that a shockingly low number of people weren't up to date with the Highway Code
According to a new study from the AA, most UK drivers have not read the new update to the Highway Code.
The updates made in January include changes to the rules surrounding pedestrian crossings, and also include advice for cyclists.
But the survey conducted by the AA found that out of the 13,327 drivers that took part, 8,090 hadn’t read the updated code.
That’s 61 percent for anyone that didn’t do well in GCSE maths - which, let's face it, is most of us.
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So, given that a ridiculous amount of people haven’t read the updates, here’s what the new rules suggest.
The updated list gives greater priority to pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders - get ready to make notes because there's a fair few updates on here that we weren't aware of.
For instance, drivers need to give a 1.5 meter (4ft 11in) gap when overtaking a cyclist and 2 metres (6ft 7in) when they’re going past a horse.
Honestly, that just makes sense because horses spook easily as it is, without a lad in a BMW passing ridiculously close.
Another update also suggests that drivers should give way at pedestrian crossings.
They also clarified that "drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and MUST give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing."
What's more and this one might be a little controversial, cyclists are being told to drive in the middle of the road on country lanes, leading up to a junction, and in traffic.
The updated code urges driver to not cut "across cyclists, and not turning at a junction if to do so would cause a cyclist going straight ahead to stop or swerve."
They also added that "cyclists can ride two abreast when they consider it safer to do so but should be considerate of the needs of other road users when riding in groups."
Essentially the updated rules ask drivers to pay extra attention to cyclists, pedestrians, and horses giving them time to cross and space if passing.
And this update is more important than ever, as Mary Williams OBE, chief of the Brake road safety charity, said that new rules offer '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'.
Shola Lee