AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

The rules of the road are changing The Highway Code

2nd April 1998, Page 42
2nd April 1998
Page 42
Page 42, 2nd April 1998 — The rules of the road are changing The Highway Code
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

is in the process of being revised—when did you last look at a copy?

New code for drivers That invaluable document, The Highway Code, is to undergo further change with a new edition due to be published soon. This was inspired by the Government's recently consultation exercise in which it sought a wide range of opinions on possible improvements to the code.

Although no announcement has yet been made about the date of publication, or the precise contents of the new version of the code, it is widely expected that advice on some driving and road safety matters in the current edition (last issued in 1996) will be strengthened.

Mobile phones Continued concern over the use of mobile phones in moving vehicles is likely to be addressed. Previous advice (in paragraph 43 of the current code) was that speaking into the microphone of a fixed vehiclemounted (hands-free) phone while driving was acceptable, as long as this did not take the driver's mind off the road, as both hands could be kept on the driving controls.

Now this is to be superseded by advice that telephone conversations, whatever the type of device used, should only be conducted while the vehicle is stationary. This is based on the contention that the conversation itself can distract the driver's attention from what is happening on the road.

Flashing other drivers Fresh advice will be given in the new code about the use of headlights by drivers to signal to other drivers—often to invite another driver to proceed across the signalling driver's path. It has previously been made clear in the code that the flashing of headlights should serve no purpose other than to make other road users aware of the presence of a vehicle on the road. As paragraph 135 of the current code states in regard to headlight flashing, "you should never assume that it is a signal to proceed".

Roadworks In one respect the revised code will contain quite different advice to the existing code. This concerns the practice to be adopted when approaching roadworks. Previously the advice has been to get into the correct lane well ahead of the actual lane restriction.

The new advice suggests that this practice is to become unacceptable in that both (or, indeed, all) lanes should be occupied on the approach, with drivers merging alternately at the point of the restriction (presumably this involves simple good manners: after you; no, after you old chap!).

Additional advice is also to be included in the new code asking vehicle drivers to take extra care when they encounter other, more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians (particularly children and those who are elderly or disabled), cyclists, motorcyclists, and horse riders.


comments powered by Disqus