Drivers are “not adhering” to new Highway Code rule changes due to a “lack of understanding” over the new rules, according to a safety expert.
Craig Delahaye, Associate Director of Legal Operations at National Accident Helpline, blamed a “common misconception” for leading drivers astray with many putting themselves at risk.
The Highway Code adopted its new ‘hierachy of road users’ driving law system back in 2022 to boost safety.
The rule gives pedestrians priority while vehicles which can do the most damage are lower down the list.
However, recent data from the RAC showed many drivers were still confused by the new rules 24 months on.
A poll for the breakdown group revealed that a staggering 51 percent of road users were “still unsure” whether the changes had made roads safer for pedestrians.
Craig told Express.co.uk: “The number of people unsure whether the Highway Code changes have made a difference to pedestrian safety is indicative of the need of further education on the changes implemented two years ago to improve road safety.
“The changes to the Highway Code two years ago introduced the hierarchy of road users.
“This places pedestrians at the top of a pyramid, giving them the highest priority, with HGVs at the bottom – with the least priority, and the most responsibility.
“Data from the Government’s road casualty statistics found that 30 percent of pedestrian fatalities and 39 per cent of serious injuries occur at junctions.
“The RAC has found that a third (31 percent) of drivers think pedestrians face even greater danger at junctions since the measures were published.
“This shows the lack of understanding of how the hierarchy of road users works, and therefore, that people are not adhering to the rules of the road.”
RAC research has revealed drivers are confused because the new message simply hasn’t got through to other road users.
Just two percent of those surveyed said they saw other road users stop for pedestrians all of the time with 65 percent claiming motorists rarely or never stop for other people.
Craig added: “Many car drivers still do not understand that they should give way to pedestrians crossing side roads.
“There’s a common misconception that, because drivers pay road tax, they rule the roads- but this is of course incorrect as roads are paid for out of general taxation.
“Therefore, it’s vital that all road users, pedestrians included, fully understand the Highway Code and the Hierarchy of Road users.
“We must ensure that road users are being thoroughly educated on the rules of the road, whether that’s in the theory test for new drivers, or introducing processes to regularly remind experienced drivers.
“Five people die every day on the road in the UK. Any changes to the Highway Code always need to be acknowledged and fully digested by all road users to guarantee that everyone is using the roads correctly and safely.”
