Latest news with #AAAccidentAssist
Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers hit with £100 fines for breaking little-known pedestrian rule
UK motorists have been warned over a strict three-year-old Highway rule that still seems to be catching out swathes of unaware Brits, and could result in a hefty penalty Brits are being urged to follow a little-known driving rule that has actually been in place for years. Despite being added to the Highway Code at the start of 2022, a great many motorists — and just as many pedestrians — remain totally unaware that failing to stop for people waiting to cross the road at a junction is now against the law. The updated rule means that every junction with a pavement has effectively become a pedestrian crossing. But even some experienced drivers are still oblivious to this update, putting themselves at risk of being charged with careless driving if an accident occurs. Discussions on Reddit reveal widespread confusion and bemusement, with one user commenting that 'they haven't seen a single driver obey this rule since they introduced it'. READ MORE: Highway Code lists 4 scenarios when drivers can use mobile phones without punishment While another, who did obey it, replied: "I stop to give way to pedestrians and they just look at me, confused, because they're understandably waiting for me to pass so they can cross. Then I get beeped at by other road users because they also don't know the new rule so can't understand why I've stopped. On one occasion the pedestrian I stopped for called me an idiot. People are so nice." The Highway Code, updated on January 29, 2022, states: "Everyone suffers when road collisions occur, whether they are physically injured or not. But those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others. "This principle applies most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, vans/minibuses, cars/taxis and motorcycles. Cyclists, horse riders and drivers of horse drawn vehicles likewise have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians." According to Plymouth Live, the Highway Code argues that its rule should not 'detract' from the responsibility that all road users have when it comes to their own and other road users' safety. "Always remember that the people you encounter may have impaired sight, hearing or mobility and that this may not be obvious," it added. To clarify, when at a junction - you should always give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning. You must also give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing. "Pedestrians have priority when on a zebra crossing, on a parallel crossing or at light controlled crossings when they have a green signal," the Highway Code adds. "You should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing." Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, argues the flagship change puts 'more responsibility on those behind the wheel' but remains unknown by 'too many drivers'. "Three in 10 drivers admit they haven't looked at the Highway Code since they passed their test," he added. "New drivers and those learning to drive will be the ones most aware of the update, but it is long-standing motorists that need to be contacted to ensure they know the rules. It's vital that we keep reminding drivers of these changes, which can make our roads safer and reduce crashes. Each year, millions of drivers are contacted with car tax reminders and licence renewals. This would be the ideal opportunity to inform everyone of the updated rules and keep the changes at the front of their minds." For minor offences, drivers are most likely to receive a fixed penalty notice (FPN), which carries an on-the-spot fine of £100 and the possibility of three points on their licence. However, the maximum penalty is nine points on your licence and a whopping £5,000 fine.
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Ignoring this crucial driving rule could make you over 12% more likely to crash
Are you guilty of ignoring a vital piece of safe driving guidance and annoying fellow drivers at the same time? A third of motorists have now admitted to ignoring or being unaware of the two-second gap rule, a new study has found. A prominent Highway Code rule, driving with a two second gap to the vehicle in front is the standard practice to maintain a safe following distance as this ensures adequate time to react to a sudden stop or changes in traffic. But a poll of more than 12,500 drivers by AA Accident Assist has found that a quarter of motorists ignore the two-second instruction. Similarly, one in 20 claimed they were unaware of the guidance set out in the Highway Code, putting themselves and other road users at greater risk of accidents by tailgating. A new survey from AA Accident Assist has found that a third of drivers ignore or are unaware of the two-second gap rule between cars. one in eight casualties on England's roads are caused by tailgating Highways England data shows that one in eight casualties on England's major routes are caused by drivers tailgating. Many people consider tailgating one of the most annoying behaviours displayed by other road users, but that doesn't stop people from experiencing it far too frequently. And it doesn't prevent tragic accidents from happening as a result of tailgating. Official statistics from the Department for Transport confirm that it remains an ongoing problem: Last year a quarter of drivers were observed leaving a gap of less than two seconds in free-flow traffic. Driving too close to the vehicle in front is also costing drivers a lot of money in repairs. In 2024, 58 per cent of repairs carried out by the AA Accident Assist required a new bumper unit. And as cars become more advanced with increased technology in their bumpers – from parking sensors to cruise control radar systems – it takes more time to repair and calibrate the car after a collision, costing drivers even more. Tailgaters also waste money the more they brake and speed up, losing cash hand over fist on fuel inefficiency, as well as jeopardising their insurance premiums. Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said: 'It seems driver behaviour towards tailgating remains unmoved, with it being an all too regular experience on the roads. Regardless of motorways or local streets, drivers feel intimidated by others following too close behind.' He goes on to recommend: 'By allowing at least a two-second gap between yourself and the car in front, you significantly reduce the risk of crashing into that vehicle. 'Similarly, if you are being tailgated, where safe to do so, pull over and let them pass. It is better to cut them loose rather than feel frustrated and try to slow them down.' How many accidents does tailgating cause? More than 100 people are killed or seriously injured every year in accidents caused by tailgating motorists. The Highways England research also indicates that over 4,000 tailgating-related crashes occur annually, leading to more than 6,000 injuries. As a result, the Highways England launched a campaign called 'Don't Be A Space Invader', using the classic arcade game to warn motorists about not leaving enough space. Fronted by former Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell, it raises awareness of the dangers and help stamp out the issue. Mansell said: 'Tailgating is a driving habit I utterly deplore. Not only is it aggressive and intimidating, but it can lead to a crash with a tragic outcome.'
