Changes to the Highway Code, announced today (18 Oct), will benefit powered two wheeler riders – as well as cyclists and pedestrians, who are the primarily focus of the changes.
The new Highway Code will encourage people to adopt the ‘Dutch reach’, a method of opening a car door with the hand furthest from the handle, to force drivers to look over their shoulder for cyclists and other passing traffic.
Drivers opening their car door without checking to see what is coming up alongside their vehicle is a big danger for powered two wheeler riders.
The Government’s ‘focus on the safety of the most vulnerable road users’ been welcomed by Road Safety GB.
Steve Horton, director of communications for Road Safety GB, said:
“The Highway Code sets out the basic rules for safer road use and how we should all share the benefits and challenges of keeping ourselves and others safe.
“Most road users see it as something you have to learn about in order to pass a test and then forget about – but these changes show that the document evolves and approaches change over time, and it’s our responsibility to be familiar with such changes.
“These changes are very much welcomed by Road Safety GB and in many cases formalise what all good road users will have known already.
“Overall I’m pleased that Government recognises the need to focus on the safety of our most vulnerable road users.”
18 October 2018
