It’s been just over two years since the heavily revised Highway Code arrived. With 50 new rules to remember, the ambitious revamp also introduced the ‘hierarchy of road users’.

This means those driving a vehicle are now more responsible for the safety of more vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

To deliver on this new concept, new rules were featured in the Code including giving priority to pedestrians waiting to cross or crossing as you start to turn your vehicle into a junction.

Ignoring the problem

However, a recent survey by the RAC has revealed that less than a quarter (23%) actually adhere to this new rule while 19% say they don’t often stop – and 6% stating they never stop to let pedestrians cross.

This is especially worrying as the latest road casualty data reveals that in 2022, 30% of pedestrian fatalities occurred at junctions,  representing an increase on previous figures. For instance, 385 pedestrians were killed in 2022 compared to 361 in 2021.

Failed approach?

Making matter worse, 18% of motorists believe that the revised Highway Code has failed to work with 31% believing that pedestrians are now in greater danger.

Thankfully, there is some good news. Digging deeper into the results reveals that 37% of 17 to 24 year old drivers believe the changes have made our roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists compared to those 65 and over where only 13% think the same.

Lack of awareness

However, the RAC believes there may be a bigger issue at play here – ignorance. “Two years on, it’s concerning to see there’s still so much uncertainty,” says the RAC’s Rod Dennis, “with most drivers not stopping for people crossing when they should and therefore many pedestrians seeing no change to their safety at junctions.

“Part of the reason may be that drivers simply don’t know that the changes have been made, least of all the consequences of ignoring them.”

The net result? It’s clear the Department of Transport still has its work cut out trying to promote and enforce the new rules so the British driving public finally get the message. Time will tell.

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