The Highway Code is integral in keeping our roads safe. This includes pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike. But a recent survey by Hodge Jones & Allen suggests that not everyone is as clued up about the code as they should be.
What is the UK Highway Code hierarchy?
When asked, 55% of Brits do not know the correct hierarchy when it comes to the Highway Code. Only 45% of respondents were able to correctly identify the right order. 73% of pedestrians were able to guess the correct order, followed by 52% of motorcyclists, 46% of car or van drivers, 40% of cyclists and only 17% of bus or lorry drivers.
So, what is the correct order? The Highway Code has ordered road users in order of who would be most vulnerable in the event of a collision. Pedestrians come first due to their vulnerability compared to other road users. Cyclists and horse riders come second and third respectively, followed by motorcyclists, caravan drivers and finally bus or lorry drivers. Cyclists seemed a bit confused on the hierarchy, with 60% of those asked getting it wrong, and 4 in 10 believing they took priority over pedestrians.
There is a discrepancy in generational knowledge of the hierarchy, however, as 2 in 3 of those over 65s identified it correctly, whereas just 1 in 4 of 25–34-year-olds were able to do the same.
Mancunians are the least clued up
When looking at the geographical results, Mancunians were the most likely to get the hierarchy wrong – 63% in fact. Edinburgh and Bristol were not far behind at 62% and 60% respectively. Interestingly, Bristolian road users were most likely to have been in a road traffic accident in 60% of participants.
On the other hand, Southampton had the most informed residents with nearly two-thirds (61%) being able to pick the correct hierarchy line-up. Cardiff came in second with 60% of their residents getting it right, closely followed by Liverpool at just over half (55%).
Road traffic accidents
Nearly one-third (31%) of UK adults have suffered an injury caused by an accident on the road. It can be said that this statistic can be caused by road users not knowing the highway code correctly. Accidents can be devastating not only physically but mentally too. If you have been involved in an accident, you should consult a no win no fee personal injury claims lawyer. They will be able to expertly handle your case and guide you through the process.
Using the road can be full of hazards, most of which come from other road users. It is important to have a full understanding of the Highway Code, especially when it comes to the hierarchy of the road.
