The Highway Code celebrated its 80th birthday earlier this year. It was first published in 1931 to clearly set out the rules of the road and was an attempt to reduce the horrific accident rate. More than 7,000 people a year were dying in road traffic accidents, despite the fact that there were only 2.3 million cars on Britain’s roads. By comparison, there are now over 34.1 million cars (as of the end of 2010) yet the annual fatality rate has fallen to 1,850 – still unacceptable, but a vast improvement.
Road safety has been improved through many measures: better vehicle design, clearer road layouts, seatbelt use (now a legal requirement) and much-reduced levels of drink-driving have all played a key part, as well as technical innovations and electronic aids such as anti-lock brakes, airbags and vehicle stability control. The cars of today have better brakes, grippier tyres, more predictable handling and more powerful headlights and windscreen wipers, and are generally much easier to drive than their 1930s equivalents.
Refresh your knowledge
The Highway Code still performs a crucial role in helping to inform and guide all motorists – not just those learning to drive. So although a familiarity with it is necessary to pass the theory component of today’s driving test, even experienced drivers should also make a point of brushing up on their knowledge. So many of us read it thoroughly before our tests – and then never give it another look once we’ve passed.
It’s well worth taking a fresh look at the facts and figures for stopping distances – especially if you have a habit of driving close to the car in front. Do you know what all the commonly-encountered road signs and markings mean – let alone the rarer ones? Do you know what all the differently-coloured road studs on the motorway signify? And are you always sure about who has the right of way in every situation? If not, then it is time for a re-read; the Highway Code is available online as well as in print form.
Updates and changes
Road laws and advice may also have changed since you passed your driving test, too. The Highway Code is regularly updated, and has to take into account new developments. Additions in 2007, for example, set out the latest ruling on distraction behind the wheel in a new code for novice drivers – and formalised advice on distraction behind the wheel, including smoking, listening to loud music and using a hand-held mobile phone. The updates also mentioned new traffic management systems such as ‘home zones’ and high-occupancy vehicle lanes.
Drivers today may be in safer cars, but they have to contend with much busier traffic than in 1931; they drive more powerful vehicles, which also contain more complex controls and gadgets – satellite navigation, in-car internet access, multi-channel audio systems and even television and games consoles. In 1931, you were lucky if your car had a radio. Make sure you know where you stand within the law when using such devices, and follow the Highway Code’s advice on best practice.
Being a safer and better-informed driver will not only reduce your risk of an accident or prosecution; it can also help to reduce your car insurance premium and the cost of your car insurance policy.
Issued by Sainsbury’s Finance
Sainsbury’s Finance is a trading name of Sainsbury’s Bank plc. All information correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change. Any views or opinions expressed in this article are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any part of the Sainsbury’s Group of companies.
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