HALF of British drivers still haven’t got to grips with new road rules introduced two years ago, it has emerged.
Millions of motorists do not appear to have accepted the revised “hierarchy of road users”, introduced by the Department for Transport.
8
Do you know the new road traffic rules? Credit: Alamy
Under the revised structure, vehicles are ranked based on the level of responsibility they have to protect others.
This is related to the size and weight of the engine in question.
So, for example, trucks are at the bottom of the pyramid and bear the greatest responsibility, while pedestrians are at the top.
This determines things like priority, right of way and responsibility in everyday scenarios.
Significantly, it represents quite a departure from the often inaccurate ideas of hierarchy among British drivers, which tend to favor those in cars.
A survey of around 10,000 drivers by the AA found that a staggering 42% were unaware of the new rules, with even more not fully aware of how it works.
8
The revised ‘hierarchy of road users’ was introduced in 2022
With that in mind, we here at SunMotors have come up with three scenarios for readers to test themselves and see if they live up to the Code.
Transitional chaos
First, who has priority in the situation in the picture below?
8
Many drivers get frustrated when pedestrians cross the road
Many drivers are regularly frustrated by pedestrians, who are often completely unaware of their surroundings, just walking out onto the road while the engine revs.
But as annoying as it might be, since pedestrians are at the top of the hierarchy, it is now actually necessary for the car to give way.
A driver breaks little-known road rules in a bid for the best parking spot – but who’s REALLY to blame?
While this has always been the case at the pedestrian crossing, it has now been extended to all roads.
If someone crosses the road in front of you, it’s up to you to slow down and even stop to let them pass until they at least clear your lane.
8
But now it is cars that have to give way
Stuck in the middle
Where should the cyclist be in the picture below?
8
Cyclists usually keep close to the curb
Another common misconception among motorists is that bicycles should ride close to the curb to allow traffic.
However, this has changed somewhat in the new hierarchy – but only in special circumstances.
Obviously, cyclists should not unnecessarily obstruct traffic, but they can go out into the middle of the lane when it would be unsafe to stay inside.
For example, when approaching a left-hand bend, cars should allow cyclists to take a central position and keep the appropriate distance as if another car were ahead.
Cyclists can also ride two abreast in the middle of the lane to protect themselves from dangerous overtaking when necessary.
8
But I can use the center lane when needed
Up or down?
Finally, what is the speed limit for towing a motorhome on a single carriageway?
8
Do you know the speed limit when towing a caravan?
Okay, you got us – this is a bit of a trick question.
An AA study found that 42% of drivers mistakenly believed the new rules lowered the speed limit for towing a caravan along a single carriageway.
However, it is important to note that the limit is lower than that for a car without towing.
Outside built-up areas, where a general limit of 30 mph applies in the UK (except in Wales where it is 20 mph), the standard single carriageway limit is 60 mph.
But for those with a van hitched to the back this is reduced to 50 mph.
Similarly, the 70 mph limit on dual carriageways and motorways drops to 60 mph.
8
On one road it drops from 60 to 50 mph
Made it? Well, you can try your hand at a few more motorcycle puzzles.
For example, you have a high IQ if you can spot two identical cars in this picture in less than five seconds.
Or for movie buffs, can you spot all 28 car movie references in this animation in less than 30 seconds?
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education