There have been changes to the Highway Code.
Along with trying to fool speed cameras and the fines that are associated with them, the AA has revealed which driving habits in the UK could also land you with fines.
The most recent Passenger Seat Survey1, conducted by the AA, looked at the habits of drivers across the UK and how these are related to the occurrence of accidents on the road.
According to the research results, 100% of respondents think they’re safe drivers, despite admitting to dangerous habits. This suggesting we find it harder to recognise and truly admit our own unsafe driving habits compared to spotting unsafe driving in others.
The most common unsafe habit that drivers admitted to was driving when feeling tired (66%), followed by eating whilst driving (52%) and smoking at 17%.
Some 45% of people consider themselves a very safe driver, but only 2% think that everyone else is a safe driver, according to an AA survey.About 21% of people think there are more unsafe drivers than safe drivers, but no one we asked classed themselves as an unsafe driver.
How the new highway codes will affect you
Rule 91
Before starting on a lengthy travel, make sure you get sufficient sleep.
Stop in a secure location if you feel sleepy. Do not stop in an emergency area or on a highway hard shoulder.
The study conducted by the AA, revealed two-thirds of the drivers we polled admitted to driving while tired. Drivers are more aware of the dangers of drink and drug driving, but driving when tired can be fatal. 1 in 50 accidents last year were attributed to driver fatigue.
Rule 138
When overtaking on a dual carriageway with three or more lanes, utilise the centre lanes or the right lane, but return to the middle lanes and then the left lane when it is safe to do so.
After the Department of Transport was slated by pressure groups, motoring organisations and High Court Judges and Coroners, over hard shoulders and running lanes it has now issued this new rule.
Rule 275 (New rule)
If you have to stop your car due to a breakdown or an incident, attempt to halt in a relatively safe location where you, your passengers, and your vehicle are less likely to be in danger from moving traffic.
A designated parking area is the safest spot to pull over. A service area is the safest place to stop on highways and other high-speed routes.
Due to being so close to high-speed traffic, hard shoulders offer less protection than other locations of relative safety.
You and your passengers should remain as far away from your car and moving traffic as feasible.
Critics have already said the new Rule 275 does not go far enough and the DoT should abandon the dual lane situation and its reliance on cameras and sensors in the road to monitor traffic flow which can change faster than the operators can pick up changes.
With 33 updates to rules and two new laws being added – drivers must ensure that they read the Highway Code thoroughly to ensure a safe trip is carried out during every journey.