In January 2022, a revised “hierarchy of road users” was introduced in the UK to enhance safety for vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and motorcyclists. The principle behind the changes is simple: those who have the potential to cause the most harm bear the greatest responsibility for reducing risks on the road.
However, nearly three years later, a worrying trend has emerged. Recent surveys indicate that almost half of UK drivers remain unaware of the rule changes, raising concerns about the effectiveness of these regulations in improving road safety.
Understanding the 2022 Highway Code Changes
The updates to the Highway Code were designed to provide better protection for those most at risk in collisions. Key changes included:
- Prioritising pedestrians at junctions: Drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross.
- Giving cyclists right of way: Drivers should yield to cyclists going straight ahead when turning in or out of junctions.
- Establishing safe passing distances: Motorists must leave a minimum of 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30mph, with greater distances at higher speeds.
- Safer overtaking of horses: Drivers should pass horses at no more than 10mph, allowing at least two metres of space.
- Encouraging the Dutch Reach: When opening car doors, drivers and passengers should use their far hand to avoid hitting passing cyclists.
Despite the clear intent behind these changes, a lack of awareness and understanding among drivers means their impact remains limited.
Road Safety Concerns Persist
Statistics from 2023 highlight the ongoing dangers faced by vulnerable road users:
- 405 pedestrians were killed, with 6,067 seriously injured.
- 87 pedal cyclists lost their lives, while 4,942 sustained serious injuries.
- In 2024, 58 horses were killed, and 97 were seriously injured in road incidents reported to the British Horse Society. Most of these incidents involved vehicles passing too close or too fast.
Calls for Greater Awareness
Road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist has raised concerns that the lack of awareness surrounding these rules is leading to confusion and potential conflict on the roads. According to GEM’s Head of Road Safety, James Luckhurst:
“This has been one of the most frequently asked questions by GEM members, many of whom feel they do not have a clear understanding of their increased responsibility under the 2022 ‘hierarchy of road users’. They worry that this could lead to confusion and conflict.”
Luckhurst also emphasises that while the changes were welcome, their effectiveness is undermined by the lack of awareness among drivers:
“The changes reflect a shift towards prioritising the safety of vulnerable road users and encouraging more considerate behaviour on the roads. However, they have no chance of being effective when so few drivers appear to know about them or are confused as to what they should be doing differently.”
GEM is now urging the government to launch a clear and widespread communication campaign aimed at ensuring that all road users understand the changes and their responsibilities.
What Should Drivers Do?
To help address this issue, GEM has compiled a summary of key rules that drivers must follow:
- Be vigilant at junctions: Always give way to pedestrians and cyclists.
- Maintain safe distances: Ensure at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30mph, increasing this gap at higher speeds.
- Pass horses safely: Slow down to a maximum of 10mph and leave at least two metres of space when overtaking.
- Exercise caution when turning: Never cut across cyclists or horse riders when turning at junctions.
- Consider the impact of your driving: Be mindful of the risks posed to vulnerable road users and adjust your driving behaviour accordingly.
The Road Ahead
With road deaths and serious injuries still a major concern, it is crucial that the 2022 Highway Code changes do not become forgotten regulations. Education and enforcement must go hand in hand to ensure that every road user – particularly those behind the wheel – understands their responsibilities.
As GEM Motoring Assist continues to advocate for greater awareness, the question remains: how many more lives must be lost before meaningful change takes effect?
