Latest news with #HighwayCode
Daily Mail
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Moment equestrian admonishes motorist with her riding crop for going 'too fast' past her horse - but opinion is split if she is REALLY in the right
Footage of an equestrian telling off a motorist for going 'too fast' as he drove past her horse has divided people online. A clip, posted on Instagram by horse rider Laura Robson, showed a blue Skoda Fabia drive past her and a friend on another horse in front. The first horse gets spooked by the vehicle which appeared to be less than a metre away as it went past with a child in the backseat. Worried about her own horse reacting badly as well, Laura held out her crop to stop the driver in his tracks and shouted: 'F****ing hell! Wait, wait, wait! It's a green lane, please go slower.' One of the people in the car yelled something back as the riders began to trot on, but Laura put her foot down and again told them to drive slower. She uploaded the video, which has racked up over 3,500 comments in just one day, with a caption that read: 'Dangerous drivers frustrate me! This road was clearly signposted as a quiet lane. 'They should have stopped in the wider passing place ahead to let us pass safely. Instead, they mounted the curb and spooked the horses.' Official Highway Code guidelines for passing horse riders states: 'Be particularly careful of horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles especially when approaching, overtaking, passing or moving away. Always pass wide and slowly. 'When you see a horse on a road, you should slow down to a maximum of 10 mph. Be patient, do not sound your horn or rev your engine. When safe to do so, pass wide and slow, allowing at least 2 metres of space.' It adds: 'Look out for horse riders' and horse drivers' signals and heed a request to slow down or stop. Take great care and treat all horses as a potential hazard; they can be unpredictable, despite the efforts of their rider/driver. 'Remember there are three brains at work when you pass a horse; the rider's, the driver's and the horse's. Do not forget horses are flight animals and can move incredibly quickly if startled.' However, viewers had their own opinions regarding who was in the right and who was in the wrong and took to the comments to voice them. One wrote: 'With respect, that car was going about as slow as it could without stalling. 'If you are not comfortable sharing the road with other traffic, or worried that you can't control your horse, maybe grass lanes would be better for you?' But Laura came straight in with a response, writing: 'How about the car stop? There wasn't enough space for him to safely pass so he should have stopped the car. Or better yet, wait in the wider part of the road he'd just passed. 'At what point was I not in control other than when his car scarped on the curb and spooked my horse, which was roughly one second?' Another commented: 'They're going perfectly slow, take your horse on a f****ing field, not many cars there.' 'Car was slower than a sloth. What you screaming at?', a third wrote. Many came to Laura's defence, with one reinforcing her point about it being a green lane. 'It's a green lane people! It's purpose is recreational use! So especially made for walking, biking and horseback riding. 'The ladies with the horses had every right to be there. So the car was wrong and had to wait and make room for the horses.' Another wrote: 'He wasn't going slow enough at all as there was not enough distance between him and the horse. 'In that situation the car should have stopped, let the horses pass, and then continue. Two mins inconvenience and safety for the horse... but a big ask is it!'
Daily Mirror
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
EV drivers 'more at risk' for breaking little-known rule with £5k fine
Brits overlooking a strict Highway Code rule could find themselves in hot water — especially those driving electric vehicles (EVs). With the UK bracing for a fourth intense heatwave with 32C temperatures, many motorists will be opting for comfortable footwear including Birkenstocks, Crocs, flip-flops and sliders. While these popular warm-weather choices keep our feet cool, they can pose hidden dangers when worn behind the wheel. According to a 2013 study by Sheila's Wheels, up to an estimated 1.4 million accidents and near misses on UK roads could be avoided simply by opting for safer driving shoes. While backless footwear is a key concern, even some seemingly practical options such as wellies — often preferred by campers and festival-goers — can create issues for safe driving due to their bulky fit. Drivers face £100 fine for common move which actually breaks the Highway Code Many drivers may not realise the additional associated risks faced by those driving EVs. Co-founder of Vehicle Mats UK, Chris Astley, underscores these dangers, especially as EVs become more common on Britain's roads. "We see it every summer: drivers in backless shoes, like flipflops, mules, and sliders," he said in a statement sent to the Mirror. "While they might be ideal for hot weather comfort, these kinds of shoes can slip off, get caught under pedals, or simply not give you enough grip to operate your car's pedals safely. And if your feet are wet, whether it's from a dip in the sea or sweating in the heat, you're more at risk." When it comes to driving an EV, the expert warns this advice is even more important - as electric cars tend to have 'significantly more torque' than their traditional petrol or diesel counterparts, meaning they respond more sharply to pedal movement. "This makes precise foot control crucial, and something as innocuous as a wet or unsuitable shoe could make all the difference in an emergency," Chris added. So for EV drivers, the need for pedal control is even greater. Lost grip, a shoe that slips, or a foot clumsily encumbered by inappropriate footwear could mean the difference between a close call and a crash. Legally, there is no explicit ban on driving in flip-flops, sliders, or driving barefoot in the UK. However, Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that drivers must ensure their 'footwear do[es] not prevent you from using the controls in the correct manner'. If an accident occurs and it emerges that inappropriate footwear played a role, drivers can face prosecution for driving without due care and attention under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The penalties can vary dramatically — at the lower end of the scale, a £100 fine and three points on your licence, but this can rise to a £5,000 fine, up to nine points, or even disqualification if the court deems the offence serious — so motorists would be wise to heed the expert's advice and choose their footwear carefully over the coming months. The RAC 's guidance for suitable driving shoes is clear. The best driving shoes have a sole no thicker than 10mm, but not so thin or soft as to compromise safety. They need enough grip to prevent your foot from slipping off the pedals, must not be heavy, should not restrict ankle movement, and be narrow enough to avoid accidentally pressing two pedals at the same time. As temperatures soar and we experience more frequent heatwaves, drivers are urged to keep these simple warnings in mind to stay on the right side of the law — and out of harm's way.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Motorists could be slapped with a £100 fine for a common motorway mistake
A common myth is that the left lane on the motorway is the 'slow' lane and the right is the 'fast' lane. However, this is not the purpose of each lane and goes against rules dictated in the Highway Code and the law Motorists throughout the UK could be hit with a £100 fine and three penalty points for a frequent motorway mistake. A widely believed myth is that the left lane on the motorway is for 'slow' driving and the right is for 'fast' driving. However, this belief is incorrect and contravenes the Highway Code and legal regulations. In fact, drivers are encouraged to stick to the left lane when travelling on the motorway and only use the right lanes for overtaking, returning to the left lane as soon as it's safe. Ignoring these rules can lead to legal issues and pose a risk to other road users. Rule 264 of the Highway Code clearly instructs: "Keep in the left lane unless overtaking. If you are overtaking, you should return to the left lane when it is safe to do so." Penalty for not sticking to the left lane Failing to move back into the left lane after overtaking, known as 'lane hogging', is an offence. This behaviour is not just discourteous to other drivers but also creates a danger for those who wish to overtake. The main problem with lane hogging is that it compels more drivers to switch to the outer lane to pass, which should be unnecessary. On a three-lane motorway, this means a driver would have to change across two lanes to overtake and then switch back again, which is not ideal. Drivers will be compelled to take this action to avoid the risky move of undertaking a lane hogger by passing them on the left. The Highway Code also states: "Do not overtake unless you are sure it is safe and legal to do so. Overtake only on the right." Lane hogging is also deemed 'careless driving' and can result in penalties if police choose to enforce it. Since 2013, officers have been able to hand out on-the-spot fines of £100 and three penalty points for careless driving offences, including lane hogging. Should the offence be deemed particularly grave, you could be summoned to court where you might incur a fine of up to £5,000 and receive as many as nine points on your licence. In addition, the court has the authority to disqualify you from driving. Dealing with lane hoggers When dealing with lane hoggers, it's generally recommended to remain composed and avoid any actions that could be construed as road rage or illegal. This includes refraining from undertaking manoeuvres, which would be an offence in itself. The advised course of action is to safely switch to the outer lane to overtake the lane hogger before returning to the correct lane.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
'Law is clear' as drivers face £5,000 fine for 'rude' action
Driving through a puddle and splashing pedestrians is not only rude but can also be dangerous - and can land a driver with a huge fine if they're caught doing it Drivers could face penalties of up to £5,000 for carelessly soaking pedestrians during wet weather. Speeding through puddles and drenching nearby pedestrians is not merely thoughtless but can also pose risks, whether carried out deliberately or accidentally. While the Highway Code doesn't explicitly reference splashing pedestrians, legislation exists regarding driving with due care and attention. Section three of the Road Traffic Act 1988 makes it an offence to speed through puddles and drench pavement users, as this constitutes driving "without reasonable consideration for other persons". This means motorists caught committing such acts could face substantial penalties. Penalties for soaking pedestrians Usually, drivers caught drenching pedestrians will be issued a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100 and possibly three points on their licence. Nevertheless, if proceedings reach court, the driver faces a significantly steeper fine of up to £5,000. Penalties are typically determined by various considerations, including the degree of distress caused by the incident and the extent of inconvenience suffered. Adam Jones, a legal expert at HD Claims, said: "Most people think it's just rude – but the law is very clear. Splashing someone deliberately, or failing to slow down and causing a soaking, can lead to a fixed penalty or even a court summons. At best, it's £100 and three points. At worst, it's five grand and a criminal conviction." How to avoid splashing pedestrians and receiving a fine By following some basic safety guidance, it can be easy to avoid splashing pedestrians and therefore avoiding a hefty fine. Generally, a car will make a large splash when going over a puddle at high speeds. Firstly, the driver should consider whether it's safe to avoid the puddle and not drive through it at all. However, if the road conditions mean that the car has to go through the puddle, reducing the speed slightly can significantly lessen how large a splash from a puddle will be. Jones added: 'Failing to take care in wet weather can land you with more than just a fine. You risk points on your licence, higher insurance premiums – and if you cause injury, even civil claims.' HD Claims also advises drivers to drive cautiously through flooded streets, especially urban areas where there is a higher risk of splashing pedestrians.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers urged to use 'Dutch Reach' technique to avoid dangerous mistake
The Dutch Reach is a simple technique for opening the car door that can significantly reduce the risk of an accident. And failing to do so can result in a hefty fine Motorists are being encouraged to embrace the 'Dutch Reach', a method of opening car doors that could dramatically slash the risk of accidents. The Dutch Reach is a manoeuvre that involves using the hand furthest from the door to open it, thereby naturally prompting drivers to glance over their shoulder and check for any oncoming traffic, cyclists, or pedestrians before swinging the door wide. This technique not only minimises the chance of causing an unexpected obstruction but also aligns with the guidance provided in Rule 239 of the Highway Code regarding the safe operation of vehicles when parked. Rule 239 suggests: "Where you are able to do so, you should open the door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side. This will make you turn your head to look over your shoulder." It continues: "You are then more likely to avoid causing injury to cyclists or motorcyclists passing you on the road, or to people on the pavement." £1,000 fine for not safely opening a door Experts at car leasing website LeaseLoco also caution that individuals could face a fine for carelessly opening their door. 'Dooring' a cyclist can be deemed a criminal offence which carries a penalty of up to £1,000, particularly if it leads to a severe accident. Dooring poses significant dangers, and for cyclists, the hazards are amplified with recent figures showing that in one year, there were 248 accidents caused by a vehicle door being opened or closed. Of these incidents, 69 led to fatal or serious injuries. John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco, said: "People forget that the "Dutch Reach" rule isn't just a suggestion - there is a reason why it's in the Highway Code. "The safety technique actually came from the Netherlands, hence the name, and it's there to make sure cyclists and pedestrians remain safe and to prevent drivers from 'dooring' them and causing serious harm. "For cyclists, colliding with a car door while cycling at 15 to 20mph can cause a serious injury and, unfortunately, even result in death in some cases. That's why it's so important for us to check that the coast is clear before getting out of our vehicles. "It's such a simple technique and one that needs to be taken much more seriously to help prevent injuries."
