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The Highway Code

The Highway Code - AA research update

More than two years on, yet two fifths of drivers still unaware of flagship Highway Code changes

  • ‘Hierarchy of responsibility’ installed in January 2022, yet 30% unaware of it with 12% thinking it untrue
  • However, key changes regarding rights of way and safe passing correctly recalled
  • “It’s vital that we keep reminding drivers of these changes” says AA Accident Assist MD

7 August 2024

Two fifths (42%*) of drivers remain unaware of a flagship update to the Highway Code, despite it being introduced more than two years ago.

On 29 January 2022, the Highway Code** was updated with the ‘hierarchy of responsibility’, which states that road users that cause the greatest harm have more responsibility to reduce the danger they pose. Worryingly, 30% of drivers said they did not know if such a rule existed, while 12% considered the rule to be untrue.

Rule H1

It is important that ALL road users are aware of The Highway Code, are considerate to other road users and understand their responsibility for the safety of others.

Everyone suffers when road collisions occur, whether they are physically injured or not. But those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others. This principle applies most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, vans/minibuses, cars/taxis and motorcycles.

Cyclists, horse riders and drivers of horse drawn vehicles likewise have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians.

None of this detracts from the responsibility of ALL road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, to have regard for their own and other road users’ safety.

Always remember that the people you encounter may have impaired sight, hearing or mobility and that this may not be obvious.

When The AA asked the same question in December 2021, a month before the changes were adopted, two thirds (68%***) of drivers were unaware of the ‘hierarchy of responsibility’ rules.

However, other rules introduced at the same time were successfully recalled. More than eight out of 10 (85%) knew that drivers intending to turn left should allow cyclists to pass on the left before carrying out the manoeuvre, while eight out of 10 (80%) knew that drivers should leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.

Nevertheless, only half of drivers were aware that the updated Code formally advised of scenarios where cyclists could ride two abreast in the centre of the lane. Similarly, 56% of drivers incorrectly believed long established rules on when a horn should not be used were adopted in 2022, along with 42% who believed that the national speed limit for towing a trailer or caravan was reduced to 50mph on a single carriageway.

“It’s vital that we keep reminding drivers of these changes, which can make our roads safer and reduces crashes.”
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist

The AA believes that awareness of these changes needs to be repeated for years to come to improve the knowledge of drivers across the UK.

Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said; “While the majority of drivers can recall important updates to the Highway Code, the flagship change that puts more responsibility on those behind the wheel remains unknown by too many drivers.

“Three in 10 drivers admit they haven’t looked at the Highway Code since they passed their test. New drivers and those learning to drive will be the ones most aware of the update, but it is long-standing motorists that need to be contacted to ensure they know the rules.

“It’s vital that we keep reminding drivers of these changes, which can make our roads safer and reduces crashes. Each year, millions of drivers are contacted with car tax reminders and licence renewals. This would be the ideal opportunity to inform everyone of the updated rules and keep the changes at the front of their minds.”

* Yonder received 9,839 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 8th to 16th July 2024. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

** https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/review-of-the-highway-code-to-improve-road-safety-for-cyclists-pedestrians-and-horse-riders

*** Yonder received 13,449 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 6th to 14th December 2021. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.