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Ensure Road Safety With Effective Learning Of Highway Code
The road is a highly dangerous place, mainly for kids, cyclists, motorcyclists and older pedestrians. DVSA develops the official highway code to prevent random road users and to control the number of road accidents and casualties if any.
All road users must be aware of the Code and be thoughtful towards each other. Which is important for both the pedestrians and the drivers. Correct application of the rules mentioned in the Code signifies reduced road casualties and this should be the responsibility of all who are out there on the road.
Some of the essential rules are -
- You should not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medicine
- You should be aware and logical in determining the speed that is appropriate for the traffic, road and other conditions. You should not target the maximum speed as it might cause unwanted incidents.
- When you are approaching a pedestrian crossing, road works, traffic lights or control system, you should be aware & stop whenever necessary
- If you come across cyclists and pedestrians, you need to be aware and anticipate their move. Mainly when there are tourists and children who might step out onto the road while looking at the other side.
- You should maintain the necessary distance, and not intimidate other road users by driving too close behind them. If they suddenly come into your path at a junction, then slow down and hold back so that the path gets clear.
- You should not play any loud music while driving. This can be distracting and may subside other important sounds around the car.
- You should not operate the sound system, mobile phone or other devices which can be distracting while driving.
Before taking the driving test, you should be prepared with the Highway Code thoroughly. Driving is exciting but it is a serious responsibility that comes with the course.
Essential Tips for the Highway Code
Know how to overtake cyclists
Most commonly, the drivers fail to pass the cyclists at the proper distance, causing near misses and even accidents. This works as a major problem in the busy roads and careless driving. The Highway Code states that motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders should be given enough space, mainly whole overtaking a car. A distance of 1.5m must be kept, when the cyclists overtake at the speed of up to 30mph, and give them more space when they are overtaking at higher speeds.
Roundabouts
The roundabouts are considered to be the most daunting and stressful aspect of driving for learner drivers. The quick decision and random speed can put them in bad situations. The roundabouts are designed to keep the flow of traffic moving and are considered to be an efficient way of preventing traffic jams and are appreciated by all road users. The Highway Code rules encore everything you need to know about roundabouts from start to exit, and the Code is used to condense the information into an easy-to-read guide. This guide helps to have a feeling of confidence to perform well at roundabouts. Approaching the roundabout is all about - Remember Mirrors- Signal- Manoeuvre.
Road Signs -
The road signs or the traffic signs are officially known and it can be confusing to new learners. It might seem that there is a never ending list of signs to learn in the Highway Code. Traffic signs can be broken down into the following 5 categories, that should help you identify them and assess how to read them. 1. Signs giving orders 2. Warning signs 3. Direction signs 4. Information signs 5. Road works signs
UNDERTAKING
The undertaking is known as the practice of overtaking a slower-moving vehicle, mainly on its left-hand side. According to the Highway Code, it is advised not to overtake on the left or move to a lane on the left, just to overtake.
Conditions where undertaking may be appropriate:
- When a car undertakes in slow-moving traffic, and there is a fast-moving lane on the right. Undertaking in this circumstance becomes a safer option than winding in and out of traffic.
- If there are average speed checks, undertaking can be a suitable option
- If a vehicle turns right in front or U-turns, undertaking can be an option. Although it is safer to wait until the vehicle takes a complete turn.
If you need to undertake, it is essential to consider that the driver may not check the inside mirror or the blind spots, so it is important to drive slowly with caution.
Rules Of The Zebra Crossing
Best practice for the safety of pedestrians and drivers
Zebra crossings are considered to be more observed in the UK than in other places. It is important to know who has the correct way on a zebra crossing. As the Highway Code states, you have to give way when a pedestrian moves onto a crossing.
Right of way on a zebra crossing -
The Highway Code rule states that legally you need to stop once a pedestrian has moved onto the crossing. It becomes vital to maintain the zebra crossing as it is potentially dangerous. Many of the pedestrians in the UK think that the driver should stop instantly when they are waiting, it is considered to be safer and this is how it is taught to the drivers. When a pedestrian is approaching the crossing, stopping prematurely could be dangerous. The pedestrian might not even enter the crossing and can slow down the traffic flow unnecessarily. For the safety of the pedestrians, it is safer to slow down when you see a zebra crossing upcoming. This becomes helpful for pedestrians as they can quickly appear in view and might plan to use the crossing effectively. When a zebra crossing has an island in between, then each of the crossings is treated as 2 separate crossings. This will help to allow you to drive on, once the pedestrian safely reaches the second crossing.
Important Advice On Zebra Crossings
• You don’t need to wait for a pedestrian to cross both zebra crossings when there is an island in the middle • When queuing in traffic, you must leave the zebra crossing clear In the UK, the driver must stop at every zebra crossing, once the pedestrian has moved on to the crossing. You must learn to slow down and then prepare to stop whenever necessary or whenever a pedestrian approaches the zebra crossing.