Half of UK drivers are still confused by Highway Code change – survey
Over half of British drivers cannot correctly identify the ‘hierarchy of road users’, according to new research[1] from personal injury specialists. In January 2022, changes were introduced to the Highway Code. This followed public consultation[2] and one of the changes included was an update on the ‘hierarchy of road users’ rules.
Injury specialists Hodge Jones & Allen[3] surveyed 2,000 UK road users to test them on important sections of the Highway Code, and to see how knowledgeable the British public is on important road safety rules[4]. Pedestrians top the hierarchy due to their lack of protection on the road making them the most vulnerable in a road traffic accident.
The code rules are based on the lower a road user is in the hierarchy[5], the more harm they can cause others. This explains why cyclist sit second, yet bus or lorry drivers come in last place due to the size and damage the vehicle can cause.
The code rules are based on the lower a road user is in the hierarchy, the more harm they can cause others. This explains why cyclist sit second, yet bus or lorry drivers come in last place due to the size and damage the vehicle can cause.
The road user hierarchy may sound simple to follow, however, the study found that over half of Brits asked do not know the correct order. Pedestrians were the most likely to correctly identify the correct hierarchy of road users with nearly three-quarters (73%) answering correctly.
Of the 2,000 people asked:
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The majority of Bus and Lorry drivers (83%) could not identify the correct hierarchy of road users
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Only one in four young adults (25-34 years-old) are clued up about the Highway Code
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Over half of cyclists (60%) don’t know the correct hierarchy of road users, with four in ten believing they take priority over pedestrians
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The older generation surveyed are more knowledgeable when it comes to the Highway Code, with two-thirds of those aged 65+ knowing the correct hierarchy of road users
In terms of awareness levels around our UK cities, Manchester was the least aware when it came to knowing the hierarchy of road users, with nearly two-thirds incorrectly selecting the order of hierarchy.
Below is a list of cities and their knowledge of the hierarchy of road users rule. (% that did not know the highway code rule):
- Manchester – 63%
- Edinburgh – 62%
- Belfast – 60%
- London – 59%
- Glasgow – 59%
- Bristol – 58%
- Nottingham – 57%
- Newcastle – 55%
- Sheffield – 54%
- Leeds – 52%
Southampton have the most knowledgeable residents on the hierarchy of road users, with 61% picking the correct order. Cardiff was second with over half of the people asked picking correctly, followed by Liverpool with over half knowing the rule.
Respondents were also provided with a variety of statements and asked, to identify which statements are currently included, within the Highway Code.
Two-fifths of those surveyed wrongly believe the term ‘cyclists have right of way over pedestrians on designated use cycle tracks’ is part of the highway code. Surprisingly, over a third of cyclists incorrectly thought this was also part of the Highway Code.
Only a third of respondents correctly identified that cyclists are recommended to have a bell fitted to their bike, but the statement ‘’Cyclists should always wear light coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users see you’ is not part of the highway code, but over a third of UK adults believe it is.
Additionally, the majority of respondents did not correctly identify that cyclists and motorcyclists should not ride on the inside of vehicles signalling or slowing down to turn left.
Brits still have plenty more to learn about the Highway Code, with many people clearly having narcissistic driving knowledge. An increase in knowledge and understanding would help with the prevention of highway accidents. Currently, nearly one-third of UK adults have suffered an injury through a road traffic accident.
The survey found young adults were the least informed about the Code rules and there is a direct correlation with knowing the highway code and suffering injury through a road accident. Nearly half of young adults having suffered an injury through a road accident but only one in five adults aged 65+ have suffered an injury due to a road accident.
Leticia Williams, Partner at Hodge Jones & Allen said: “Our study reveals that a good number of highway users are still unaware of important highway code rules, including the road hierarchy.
“It is imperative, no matter what type of road user you are, we all take on our personal responsibility to act responsibly and to follow the Highway Code. Understanding and following the rules will help prevent future road accidents and save lives.
“Over the years, I have seen the outcomes of road traffic accidents, which could have been avoided, and the impact the accidents had on the injured person and their families. Understanding and following the Highway Code rules is imperative for us all.”
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References
- ^ new research (www.hja.net)
- ^ public consultation (Derby%20engineer%20seen%20driving%20jet-ski%20on%20city%20roads)
- ^ Hodge Jones & Allen (www.hja.net)
- ^ road safety rules (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ a road user is in the hierarchy (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Car crashes into stricken bicycle wholesaler (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ here (data.reachplc.com)