DIA calls for review of the Highway Code

The Driving Instructors Association is calling for an in-depth review of the impact of the most recent revision of the Highway Code – and for better communications campaigns to better educate all road users on the changes.

The UK’s largest driver training stakeholder expressed concern at the some of the key changes when they were initially outlined, as well as voicing concern at the lack of a solid communications campaign aimed at all road users to ensure they were aware of the changes – and their potential risks.

Key areas of concern were risks potentially caused by highlighting the priority of pedestrians crossing at junctions and corners, and cyclists cycling in the middle of the road – without having clear corresponding messaging about the responsibilities of all road users around these particular areas of risk.

In terms of the prioritisation of pedestrians at junctions, reports in the media today focus on a recent poll (conducted by the AA) of 10,000 UK motorists which found that 42 per cent either don’t know the rule exists or had heard about it but thought it was untrue.

The AA’s survey follows on from research shared by RAC Foundation which also found road users were unaware of many of the changes and what they really meant in terms of their behaviour.