Car Insurance - Tips & Advice - Road safety - Highway Code

The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales and is essential reading for every road user – this applies to pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders as well as drivers. Many of the rules of the Code are legal requirements and you may be fined, given points on your licence or disqualified if you don’t obey them. In serious cases you could also be sent to prison. See www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069869 for more details on the Road Use and the Law.

Essentially, knowing and adhering to the rules of the Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties. This is a responsibility we all share.

Where can I get a copy of The Official Highway Code?

The Official Highway Code is produced by the Department of Transport, currently in its 2007 edition and comes in various formats. You can purchase these from The Stationery Office (TSO) at www.tsoshop.co.uk following the links to Driving Standards Agency (DSA) > Car Drivers > Highway Codes and Other Essentials. Formats include:

• The Official Highway Code 2007 Interactive CD-Rom
• The Official Highway Code 2007 (Book)
• Highway Code Extra – The Official Rules and Signs (with The Official Highway Code 2007 and Know Your Traffic Signs)
• Book versions for Welsh speakers and for drivers in Northern Ireland

You can also view the full contents of the Highway Code online at www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/index.htm. Do note, however, that only the Department of Transport’s current printed version should be relied upon in any civil or criminal proceedings.

What has changed?

The last major revision of the Highway Code was in 1999 – nearly 10 years ago. The 2007 edition of the Highway Code is particularly tailored towards those who are deemed vulnerable – newly qualified drivers and those driving in adverse weather conditions. It has increased in content by about 50% and includes 29 more rules – the existing body of the book has also been rewritten to provide better clarity on what drivers should do in certain conditions. Changes and additions include:

• A new section on rules for users of powered wheelchairs and powered scooters
• A Safety Code for New Drivers, giving advice to help newly-qualified drivers get through the first twelve months after passing the test, when they are at their most vulnerable, as safely as possible
• New legislation that has been introduced on subjects such as vehicle emissions, smoking in vehicles that are workplaces, mobile phone usage, seat belts and child restraints
• New stopping/directing powers that have been given to VOSA Officers and Highways Agency Traffic Officers
• New road initiatives of which people might not be aware (High occupancy vehicle lanes, Home Zones and Quiet Lanes, Active Traffic Management Schemes)
• More emphasis on courtesy, attitude, awareness, and consideration of other road users, particularly those more vulnerable users

The Highway Code is necessary reading for all drivers and should hopefully help prevent more accidents and injuries on the road. It also has a section on breakdowns and incidents including what to do if your car develops a problem, breaks down or if you are involved in an incident or crash or anything that obstructs your driving.

It is required by law to have car insurance if you want to drive on UK roads – the minimum level of cover offered by Direct Line is third party only car insurance*. At Direct Line we also offer third party, fire & theft and comprehensive car cover, both of which have a range of benefits. Don’t drive uninsured – get an online car insurance quote today and see how much you could save.

*Please call us if you would like a quote for Third Party Only insurance.

Related information:

Advanced driving – what benefits there are in taking an Advanced Driving test

Theory test – tips on what to expect in the test and how to prepare

Observing the speed limit – a reminder of the rules of the road when it comes to speed