Motorists aged 50 and over issued warning over Highway Code rules
You could be putting the safety of yourself and other road users at risk by not knowing these updated rules.
One in five drivers over the age of 50 admits that they have not revisited the Highway Code since passing their tests
(Image: Getty )
UK drivers over the age of 50 are being urged to update themselves on the Highway Code as a number of rules have changed since they passed their tests. This could result in fines, points on the licence and even dangerous driving.
The Highway Code is a set of rules and guidelines aimed at keeping all road users safe while out and about. A number of changes to the Code have been implemented in recent years, but experts have warned not enough people are aware of them.
According to Age Co, which is owned by Age UK, one in five drivers over the age of 50 admit that they have not revisited the Highway Code since passing their tests. This could mean some motorists on the road are decades out of date with these important guidelines.
As reported by LancashireLive, among the most commonly misunderstood rules is the Dutch Reach rule. It is one of 11 rules that were added to the Highway Code in 2022.
The practice was previously common across Europe and encourages people to open vehicle doors with their opposite hand to avoid injuries to passing cyclists. This is because the movement forces their body to turn towards the back of the car, allowing them to see if any oncoming traffic is there.
Many drivers are unaware of the Dutch Reach rule that was added to the code in 2022
(Image: Getty )
Article continues below
Age Co said "almost half of the respondents said that they weren't sure about this one". Among the updates made in 2022, was one that stated drivers must leave at least 1.5 metres (five feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and giving them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
On its own, the Highway Code is not the law, many of its instructions are backed up by law and so have legal muscle behind them, the RAC says. Those points supported by the law are clearly identified in the document by wording like 'MUST', 'MUST NOT', rather than 'should' or 'should not'.
Drivers must leave at least 1.5 metres (five feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph
(Image: Getty )
Article continues below
Gov.uk guidance states: "The Highway Code is essential reading for all road users, including pedestrians, mobility scooter users, cyclists, horse riders, drivers and motorcyclists."
Age Co adds: "Understanding road safety rules and regulations help keep our roads safe, so it's important to refresh your knowledge regularly to stay up to date with the latest changes."
To check the Highway Code rules online, you can visit gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
15 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Millions of UK drivers heading abroad this summer told spend £6 NOW to avoid huge disappointment when you land
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of motorists planning on heading abroad this summer have been warned to spend £6 now to avoid a huge disappointment. The DVLA issued the warning to motorists planning summer holidays in the European Union and beyond. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The DVLA has urged drivers to check ahead before trying to rent a car abroad Credit: Getty Drivers were told they may need an international driving permit (IDP) before travelling to their holiday destination. Anyone hoping to hop in a hire car while enjoying a summer break has been urged to check if they'll need a permit before they fly. Drivers could face disappointment after landing and trying to pick up their hire car if they don't have a permit. To avoid missing out on motoring abroad drivers have been instructed to purchase an IDP for just £5.50 from certain shops that have a PayPoint. To get hold of a permit you must be 18 or over, live in the Great Britain or Northern Ireland and hold a full UK driving licence. The DVLA said you should check if the individual state authority says you need an IDP. If you're planning on hiring a car, you should check with the car hire company if you need an IDP. In the US drivers might require a driving licence and an IDP to hire a motor for their holiday. Motorists who only hold a paper driving licence must take another form of photographic ID with them. Brits planning to move abroad who want to continue driving may need to get a local driving licence. Our rental car burst into FLAMES – we escaped by the skin of our teeth In some countries you can exchange your UK licence without taking another driving test. Rules in EU countries vary and the DVLA has encouraged motorists to check the rules for exchanging your licence in the EU. In some countries, like Cyprus, you can use a UK photocard driving licence for up to 30 days without an IDP. But if you're hiring a car you should always check with the hire company before travelling. 2 Brits who only hold a paper driving licence must take another form of photographic ID with them Credit: Getty If you hold a driving licence from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you may need an IDP for any length of visit. The DVLA said: 'If you're hiring a car abroad, you should check with your car hire company if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) before travelling.' Brit motorists could face disappointment at the car hire desk if they forget to check. IDPs last for a while so it's worth getting one before jetting off for a holiday. A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months while a 1968 permit lasts for three years or until your UK licence expires, whichever comes first.
Daily Mirror
18 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Millions of drivers are breaking Highway Code every day without even knowing it
Motorists across the UK engage in various habits without a second thought - yet they are unknowingly breaching the Highway Code. Some driving behaviours are so widespread that most people wouldn't think there's anything wrong with them. A prime example is sounding the horn. For safety reasons, the horn should only be used to alert someone to your presence. This could include blind bends, or if someone is reversing out of a space or driveway, and may not see you coming. The horn is commonly used out of frustration, as motorists vent their anger at others. It is also sometimes used to prompt someone to proceed at traffic lights or a roundabout, or even to just say hello to someone. It comes after an exciting heatwave forecast with maps revealed the exact date a 39C heat plume will also scorch the UK. Martin Lewis issues warning to millions of drivers making DCA complaints Mandy Moore involved in scary hit-and-run while driving with young children However, the Highway Code says the horn shouldn't be used for these reasons. It comes after UK drivers were warned over 'avoiding' road instead of having to follow new rule. Motoring experts at LKQ Euro Car Parts said: "Over half of UK drivers (52%) think it's harmless to beep a car horn at other road users in frustration, and over a third (36%) admit they have done so previously. "However, while you can use your horn to signal danger to yourself or other road users, you are breaking the Highway Code if you beep simply out of irritation and can receive a Fixed Penalty Notice of £30. "According to the rule 112 of the Highway Code: 'Use your horn only while your vehicle is moving, and you need to warn other road users of your presence. 'Never sound your horn aggressively. You must not use your horn while stationary on a road - "except" when another road user poses a danger'." The identical rule applies to flashing your headlights, which should solely be used to alert others that you're there. It mustn't be employed as a gesture to give someone permission to go ahead, or as a way of expressing gratitude. Again, this is behaviour that occurs routinely in everyday driving.
Daily Mirror
19 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Everyone with a car 'should take this test every 2 years' but no-one knows it
The Government has pointed to NHS guidance recommending adults have their eyes tested every two years - but most people are unlikely to go for eye tests this often All motorists ought to be undertaking a crucial examination every two years based on NHS recommendations. However, it's something the majority of us overlook or remain unaware we should be completing. The Government has highlighted NHS guidance suggesting adults should have their vision checked every two years. This ensures they remain safe whilst on the roads, and to determine whether they might require spectacles or contact lenses to enhance their sight. Yet most individuals - particularly younger adults - are unlikely to attend eye examinations this frequently, unless they have a concern or medical condition. Some individuals can go for years without having their vision tested, and may only attend when they believe there is an issue. In other related news, UK drivers could face £200 fines for come action under a little-known Highway Code rule. OAP drivers may face new medical rules as group accounts for 22% of road deaths This comes following proposals that elderly people might be compelled to undergo compulsory eye examinations to maintain their driving privileges, amid growing debates over the safety of older motorists, reports Birmingham Live. It might surprise drivers to discover they should be having their eyesight examined every two years. The Department for Transport stated: "The NHS recommends adults should have their eyes tested every two years and drivers are legally required to inform the DVLA if they have a condition which affects their eyesight. We are committed to improving road safety and continue to explore ways to achieve this." As per G&M Direct Hire, approximately 40 million people in the UK hold a driving license. Over 60% of those drivers commute to work in their cars, despite the country having a relatively good public transport service. For that reason, having good eyesight is crucial whenever getting behind the wheel. You might think that your vision will remain the same for a long time, yet, in most cases, it worsens. Older drivers are particularly at risk of vision decline; nonetheless, a significant number of drivers need glasses or lenses for driving. According to Advanced Motorists, some are driving behind the wheel with the incorrect prescription, as they haven't had an eye test within the recommended timeframe. The NHS website said: "The NHS recommends that you should have your eyes tested every two years (more often if advised by your ophthalmic practitioner or optometrist). An NHS sight test is free of charge if you're in one of the eligible groups and the test is considered clinically necessary."
