CHANGES TO THE HIGHWAY CODE January 2022 RECENT HIGHWAY CODE CHANGES Whether you are studying for your driving theory test, taking driving lessons or have passed your driving test the recent revisions to the highway code are something that all drivers should know about as they affect ALL road users. The new rules came into effect on the 29th January 2022, and are essentially designed to improve safety for all road users, however, some of the new rules can put drivers at risk of fines or penalty points on their licence. HIERARCHY OF ROAD USERS There are 3 new rules about the hierarchy of road users Rule H1 – those in charge of vehicles that cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision now bear the greatest responsibility. However, other users should still be aware of their own and other road users safety. Rule H2 – At junctions drivers, motorcylists, horse-drawn vehicles, riders and cyclists should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a road into which your are turning. Only pedestrians may use the pavement, but can also use any part of the road or cycle track unless there are signs prohibiting this HIERARCHY OF ROAD USERS Rule H3 – This rule applies to drivers and motorcyclists. You should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles going ahead when you are turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane, just as you would not turn across the path of another motor vehicle. This applies whether they are using a cycle lane, a cycle track, or riding ahead on the road and you should give way to them. Do not turn at a junction if to do so would cause the cyclist, horse rider or horse-drawn vehicle going straight ahead to stop or swerve. ROUNDABOUTS Priority should be given to cyclists on a roundabout. Drivers should give them plenty of room and not attempt to overtake them within their lane and allow them to move across the path of your vehicle as they travel around the roundabout. Cyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout and should signal right to show they are not leaving the roundabout. Drivers will need to take extra care when entering a rounding to ensure they do not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles in the left lane who are continuing around the roundabout. OPENING YOUR CAR DOOR Where you stop on the roadside and need to open your car door, you must ensure that you look all around and check your mirrors before opening your door. Where you are able to do so, you should open the door using the hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening, ie you should use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side. This ensures that your head will turn, enabling you to see over your shoulder, making it less likely that you will cause injury to anyone passing you on the road or pavement. MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT Find out more on our website at https://www.geoffcapesdriving.co.uk/changes-to-the-highway- code-january-2022/ Or at … • The Highway Code • The Highway Code : 8 Changes you need to know from 29th January 2022 • Hierarchy of Road Users – hot it’s worded and the consequences of not following rules H1 – H3