In September 2021, new highway code rules were introduced to make UK roads safer. 33 new rules and alterations were put in place to protect road users when travelling. The most essential rule in our opinion; is the new hierarchy of road users, prioritising the safety of vulnerable road users. If you would like to find out more about the new highway code rules, read this article.
The new hierarchy system states that less vulnerable road users are responsible for protecting more vulnerable road users. According to the hierarchy of road users, vulnerable road users are at the bottom, such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, with lorry drivers and bus drivers at the top with the highest responsibility, ensuring the safety of vulnerable road uses.
According to Rule H1, the biggest vehicles and the least vulnerable road users “bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others”. The hierarchy of road users going from least to most vulnerable is:
All of these road users have a duty of care when on the roads to ensure the safety of all road users. It should be acknowledged that when a less vulnerable road user is involved in an accident with a more vulnerable road user; the more vulnerable road user is more likely to be severely hurt due to a range of factors such as speed, external protection and visibility of the road user.
According to Rules H2 and H3, pedestrians are the greatest priority on the roads. Motorists should always stop give way to pedestrians or crossing and roads.
The rules are also more favourable to cyclists, especially at junctions, when cyclists have a right of way when travelling straight ahead. On cyclist paths, cyclists should give way when passing pedestrians on shared cycle paths.
Some highway code rules were altered to ensure the safety of concerns like tailgating, and explaining what tailgating is, stating:
“Tailgating is where the gap between you and the vehicle in front is too small for you to be able to stop safely if the vehicle in front suddenly breaks”.
“Tailgating is dangerous, intimidating and can cause collisions”
The new rules also explained how to use the new Smart Motorways safely, with accidents on smart motorways on the high. Some helpful changes include:
“You must follow the instructions on signs in advance of a closed lane to move safely to an open lane”
Rules 261 states that: “you MUST NOT exceed the speed limit displayed within a red circle on a sign”.
The national highways chief executive states that:
“Although our motorways and major A- roads are already among the very safest in the world the new guidance will help road users be even safer”
When driving around vulnerable road users, common sense should be used. It is blatant that pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are vulnerable and more prone to a danger on the roads. If careless road users were not going by this thought process before the rules were implemented, it is unlikely that they will follow the rules now.
Highway code rules are not the law; nevertheless, in court, they are frequently referred to concerning an accident, this means that if involved in a road traffic accident as a vulnerable road user, you are a lot more likely to have a stronger case and get higher compensation.
We highly advise that you contact one of our experienced motoring solicitors if involved in a road traffic accident. No one deserves to be hurt on the road, after the dangerous and negligent behaviour of another road user. Therefore, we still stand by you through the entire process of your case and ensure you get the highest compensation for your case.
The accurate compensation will allow you to cover any damages you may have experienced. We understand that many individuals may decide to get private health care following the delays in the NHS due to the pandemic, and the appropriate compensation will cover any damages you may have experienced after your accident.
We know the process thoroughly and can offer free consultations to see how much compensation you may get for your case.
Contact us now. Solicitors On Your Side Scotland can offer you free advice and consultations. Our solicitors can help you on a no win-no fee basis. That means there will be no hidden fees.
Contact us today by phoning 0141 648 4428, emailing [email protected], or by using our website by filling out an online form.
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