This week in our primary school assembly and classroom discussion, we take a close look at the recent changes to the Highway Code and how they aim to improve safety on Britain’s roads. The updates, effective from the end of January 2022, have generated discussion nationwide, impacting not just drivers but all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. Understanding the Recent Changes to the Highway Code The Highway Code, first introduced in 1931, provides guidance and rules for anyone using roads in Great Britain. Its main purpose is to keep everyone safe by outlining responsibilities and legal requirements for road users. The newest changes put a greater emphasis on protecting the most vulnerable groups: pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. A New Hierarchy of Road Users One of the key changes is the introduction of a hierarchy of road users. This means those in vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in an accident (like lorries, cars/taxis, and motorcycles) now carry the greatest responsibility to minimize danger to others. Cyclists and horse riders are also expected to reduce danger for pedestrians. Three Key Highway Code Rules Updated The recent update highlights three main points: Priority for pedestrians at junctions: Pedestrians now have priority when crossing or waiting to cross at junctions. Drivers should also give way to those waiting at zebra and parallel crossings. Established hierarchy of road users: Greater responsibility is placed on drivers and riders to protect those more vulnerable than themselves. New priority for cyclists: Drivers should not cut across cyclists or horse riders who are going straight ahead at junctions, regardless of whether they are on the road, in a cycle lane, or on a cycle track. How Do These Changes Affect Us? The Department for Transport believes these updates will create clearer and stronger priorities, improving safety for all. While cycling campaigners have largely welcomed the changes, some media sources note that more could be done by the government to raise public awareness about the new rules. Key Rules for All Road Users Some important Highway Code rules to remember include: Always wear a seatbelt when in a car. Children under 12 or less than 135cm tall must use a suitable child seat. Follow the Green Cross Code for safe crossing – stop, look, listen, and check. Wear light-coloured, bright, or fluorescent clothing in poor daylight and something reflective at night to help others see you. Use pavements where available; otherwise, walk on the right-hand side to face oncoming traffic. Discussing Awareness and Responsibility Not everyone is aware of the new Highway Code updates. Questions arise over whose responsibility it is to inform and educate the public — should it be the government, schools, or individual road users? Ways to Inform People About Changes Various methods have been suggested to inform people of the new rules, each with pros and cons: Letters: Posting letters to every household is thorough, but costly and time-consuming. News articles and channels: Effective for reaching a wide audience, but some people may miss the updates if they do not follow the news. Phone calls: Impractical and costly on a large scale. Social media: Fast and far-reaching, but not everyone has access to these platforms. Ideally, a combination of these approaches is needed to ensure maximum public awareness. Why Do We Need The Highway Code? The Highway Code is crucial for keeping everyone safe on the roads. It contains both legal requirements and practical advice. Following these rules helps reduce accidents and ensures that pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, and all road users can travel safely together. The ongoing changes reflect the need to adapt to advancements in vehicles, evolving ways in which roads are used, and changes in transport trends. Who Needs to Know the Highway Code? The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone who uses the road: drivers, cyclists, horse riders, pedestrians, and even mobility scooter users. With regular updates, it’s important for everyone, including adults and children, to stay informed and practice what they learn. Classroom and Home Discussion Ideas Here are some ideas for teachers and families to support children’s understanding of road safety and the Highway Code: Talk about the main rules of the Highway Code, such as speed limits, traffic signs, and wearing seatbelts. How did you learn about these rules? Conduct a survey of local roads: Are there pavements? Where are the nearest crossings? What types of road users are common in your area? Make road safety posters to display in your school or community, highlighting ways to stay safe as a pedestrian or cyclist. Discuss the importance of adults teaching children about road safety and the responsibility we all share in learning and following the rules. Reflection: Keeping Safe on Our Roads The government often updates rules and laws affecting our daily lives, such as the Highway Code. It’s important that everyone understands and follows these changes to help keep our roads safe for all. Explore the latest Picture News resources here: https://picture-news.co.uk/free-sample Join our latest discussion here: https://picture-news.co.uk/discuss Explore our recent events and training here: https://picture-news.co.uk/training
