Little-known Highway Code rule drivers don’t know | Tech News

Over half of motorists throughout the UK do not realise they’re breaking a severe Highway Code rule which may have main penalties. Research from IAM RoadSmart, discovered that more than half (58%) of 655 motorists polled are usually not conscious of the right distance to provide cyclists on the street. 

The Highway Code was up to date in 2022, with the rulebook stating drivers ought to go away at the very least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking a bicycle owner when travelling at speeds of up to 30mph. The Code additionally makes clear that motorists ought to go away a bigger hole at greater speeds to make sure they’ll go safely. However, nearly one-fifth (18%) of street customers incorrectly assume that leaving only one metre of space is enough when overtaking. 

It means round a third of motorists (34%) report that they typically see different drivers or motorcyclists performing a dangerous overtake on a bicycle owner.

IAM RoadSmart energetic journey spokesperson Harriet Hernando admitted the findings had been “extremely concerning” and will pose a severe security risk.

Harriet stated: “It is extremely concerning that more than half of motorists don’t know how much space to give a cyclist when overtaking. 

“Passing too carefully to a bicycle owner could be intimidating and harmful, particularly in the event that they need to maneuver out to keep away from a pothole.

“It is small wonder then that record numbers of cyclists are installing cameras and submitting footage of dangerous or careless drivers to the police. 

“While it’s heartening to see that prosecution charges have elevated, it will be higher if it didn’t attain that stage and motorists weren’t doing it within the first place.”

Police forces are now dealing with more complaints than ever, with thousands of incidents being recorded. 

According to Freedom of Information Act data, the number of cyclists submitting video footage of poor driving to the police has more than doubled from just 7,249 in 2021 to 15,779 in 2024. 

Duncan Dollimore, Head of Campaigns at Cycling UK confused the findings reveals motorists are merely not conscious of the new guidelines.

He defined: “Cycling is a great manner for people to get round. It’s low cost, healthy and a optimistic for the environment.

“Since changes were made to the Highway Code in 2022, to better protect vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians, we’ve not seen the big safety impact we’d hoped for, and this research reveals the reasons why.

“The majority of people who drive, merely aren’t conscious how a lot distance to provide to people who cycle when overtaking.”