Highway Code
The Highway Code was originally created in 1930. The foundations of the Highway Code are essential to everyone in society. It was not designed just for drivers, in fact, the most vulnerable road users are; children and other pedestrians, the elderly, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. It is fundamental that anyone who falls into the above categories including drivers are fully aware of the relevance of the Highway Code.
A majority of the rules within the Highway Code are set out as legal requirements. Not complying with the rules is a criminal offence and can involve being fined, getting penalty points or even imprisonment.
It is important that all road users use the Highway Code to their best possible knowledge as it was designed to keep people safe and from harm.
Some sections in from the Highway Code include:
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters
- Horse riders
- Motorcyclists
- Drivers
- Signs and markings
Cyclists
The fact that there is a constant increase in the amount of bicycles on the road is a good thing. Society is becoming more energy efficient and people are trying to stay healthy and lower their carbon footprint. Of course, because there are more bikes on the road, there are more accidents involving bikes, pedestrians and vehicles. It is important for cyclists to take it upon themselves to learn the Highway Code and respect the rules that it lays out for them. As a cyclist, it is against the law to:
- Jump red lights
- Cycle on pavements
- Cycle the wrong way up a one way street
- Ride across a pedestrian crossing
- Cycle on a pavement
The Highway Code also states that at night, cyclists MUST:
- Have white front and rear red lights working and switched on
- Have a red reflector fitted to the back, white reflector to the front and amber reflectors on the pedals
It is also recommended that cyclists wear a cycle helmet and light coloured or fluorescent clothing.
Signals
Signals are a fundamental part of driving safely. The signals taught in the Highway Code will warn and inform other road users of your intended actions. The Highway Code states that road users should:
- Give clear signals in plenty of time
- Use signals to advise other road users before stopping, moving off or changing direction
- Cancel the signal after use
- Ensure that the signals made will not confuse others, i.e. indicate in plenty of time, but not so soon that it may seem an earlier turning is going to be made
The Highway Code states that it is also important that road users are aware of signals being made by others and to only continue on with their actions when it is safe.
The Highway Code is a fundamental piece of information that is designed to keep us safe and ease the sometimes difficult experience of using the roads. It is important that everyone in society is aware of the benefits of using the Highway Code.