Test Your Knowledge Of How New Rules Affect All Road Users Via Interactive Quiz

Specialist serious injury lawyers are calling for greater awareness of changes to the Highway Code after nearly a quarter of people achieved less than half marks in a test promoting the new rules. 

And in the quiz run by national law firm Irwin Mitchell only 10 per cent of 3,500 respondents answered all questions correctly. 

The Highway Code has undergone a number of changes designed to improve road safety and which are to come into effect this Saturday. 

Key changes to The Highway Code

Five key changes include creating a hierarchy of road users, amendments to the rules around pedestrian priorities at junctions as well as new rules for drivers and motorcyclists at junctions. 

What is deemed a safe passing distance when overtaking and what is a safe passing distance when passing parked vehicles will also change. 

Nearly a quarter fail to answer half of quiz questions correctly 

Irwin Mitchell has created a quiz with seven questions testing people’s knowledge of the changes. 

Out of the first 3,500 to complete the test 821 people – just over 23 per cent – failed to answer more than three answers correctly. 

Just 10 per cent – 350 – answered all seven questions correctly, while just over 17 per cent – 613 people – answered six out of seven. 

Expert Opinion

“These are the most significant changes to the Highway Code for a generation.

“The Highway Code applies to all road users whether that be pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists, or a whether you are a motorcyclist or driver. If you disobey these rules, this can be used as evidence in criminal proceedings. You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence or be disqualified from driving. Failure to adhere to the rules can also be used as evidence in civil court proceedings.

“While the quiz has been designed as a fun and interactive way to raise awareness of these changes there is also a serious side to it.

“Sadly we continue to represent too many individuals and families whose lives have been shattered by death and serious injury on our roads, due to entirely avoidable collisions.

“It’s particularly worrying that it seems a large percentage of people are unaware of the changes that will come into force in a just a few days’ time.

“While we welcome these changes we believe more still needs to be done to raise awareness of the new rules for them to fully have the impact of helping reduce the numbers killed and seriously injured on our roads.” Peter Lorence - Senior Associate Solicitor

Highway Code test results

The seven questions cover which road users will have the most responsibility for ensuring safety, how the rules around giving way to pedestrians who are crossing the road will change, safe passing distances for drivers when overtaking cyclists as well as the safe passing distance needed to be given to pedestrians walking in the road. 

The quiz also tests people’s knowledge of where cyclists can position themselves in their lane, how much space cyclists should give when passing parked vehicles and the name of the manoeuvre drivers should perform to help spot cyclists in their blind spot when opening doors. 

How much distance should road users leave when overtaking cyclists at less than 30mph - 1.5 metres - was the individual highest correctly answered question. Just over 84 per cent of the 3,500 got this right. 

Nearly 80 per cent of people correctly said that cyclists will also be able to position themselves in the centre of their lane. 

Just over 1,400 people – around 39 per cent – correctly answered that from Saturday lorry drivers will have the most responsibility for ensuring road safety. A total of 40 per cent of people only correctly selected pedestrians walking in the road need to be give two metres space when overtaking them. This means that around 60 per cent of people got these questions wrong.  

These were the questions with the lowest correct scores.

How to test your knowledge of the changes to the Code

You can find out more information and test your knowledge of the changes to the Highway Code by taking part in our interactive online quiz.

Find out more about our expertise in supporting people and families affected by road collisions at our dedicated road collisions claims section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.