Hello everyone and welcome to another blog! There have been some important changes introduced to the Highway Code for 2022 summarised for you below!
The government has announced a new hierarchy of road users, a ranking system for people who use the road. It has been created to ensure that heavier or quicker methods of transport, such as cars, trucks and HGV’s have a greater responsibility to reduce the danger they may cause to other road users, mainly cyclists and pedestrians.
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Horse riders
- Motorcyclists
- Cars/taxis
- Vans/minibuses
- Larger passenger vehicles/HGVs
Another update is for cyclists, in certain conditions, (mainly quieter streets and in slower moving traffic), are allowed to use the middle of the lane. The new highway code states that if a faster vehicle is approaching from behind, they should move to the side safely.
The recommended distance when overtaking a cyclist is 1.5 meters if your speed is 30mph and under, speeds above that then the distance must be even greater.
Where safe to do so drivers must also give way at junctions to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road they are turning into.
The recommendation also includes the use of the ‘Dutch Reach’ technique, drivers use their left hand to open the door when parked. This should allow the driver more visibility when opening the door into moving traffic. Click on this helpful video here from UBER demonstrating this technique.
For a full breakdown and for further information please click here.
As always, we hope you found this blog informative and useful, if you have please share with your fellow friends, family and colleagues!
Stay safe on the roads!
Hirebrid!