- One in three drivers (36%) are unaware of last year’s changes to The Highway Code, according to a MORE THAN study, and are at risk of fines, disqualification, and prosecution as a result
- Almost half (42%) say they would be incentivised to learn about The Highway Code if the government launched a re-education initiative
- MORE THAN is calling on the government and industry to raise awareness of The Highway Code changes to keep drivers safe and avoid unhappy surprises later down the road
LONDON 28 January 2023: One year since amendments to The Highway Code were made, a study by insurance company MORE THAN of over 2,000 UK drivers suggests that one in three (36%) are unaware that the rules of the road have changed, increasing the risk of drivers being landed with fines, points on their license and disqualification.
Looking at the specific changes that have been made, the Dutch Reach (41%), a new technique when leaving vehicles that encourages drivers to turn their head to look over their shoulder behind them, and rules around charging electric vehicles (41%) were the changes drivers knew least about.
Of those who are aware of the changes, two in five (40%) have become more careful when driving, with many agreeing that they are more conscious of cyclists (55%), pedestrians (52%), and horse riders (33%) when out on the road.
MORE THAN’s research also suggests that, although drivers know the risks associated with breaking The Highway code, less than a fifth of drivers (18%) have sought additional information about the changes.
Catherine Marsh, Product Director at MORE THAN, comments: “The Highway Code is designed to make roads a safer place and many of the rules are legal requirements – meaning that you are committing a criminal offense if you do not adhere to them, risking a fine, penalty points and, in some cases, disqualification.
“It is alarming that such a large proportion of drivers appear to be unaware of changes that were brought in a year ago, and we are seeing a rising number of prosecutions since the additions were made to the Code. Our findings suggest that more needs to be done by the industry and government to ensure all road users are kept safe and in-the-know when it comes to driving law changes.”
The study indicates that reminders and incentives are key to ensuring that drivers stay up-to-date on changes to The Highway Code, with nearly half (49%) reporting that they would learn the new Code if they received a text or email when the rules change. An email alert service is already available on the government website, and MORE THAN is encouraging road users to sign up.
Additionally, two in five (42%) of the drivers say that they would welcome a re-education initiative from the government to help them stay on top of rule changes.
Other incentives that the study respondents cited would help them stay up-to-date with The Highway Code include:
- Money off fuel for attending and completing an online course
- Advertising initiatives
- TikTok videos educating drivers of the changes and dangers
- Letters through the post stating changes
- Awareness information in popular national media, national and regional TV channels, social media, among others
- Apps to remind the codes when planning a journey.
-ENDS-
NOTES TO EDITORS
Jan 2023 research: All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from Censuswide. Total sample size was 2008 UK adults, of whom 2008 are drivers. Fieldwork was undertaken between 17-18 January 2023.
For more information or interview requests, please contact the team on MoreThanPR@grayling.com
About MORE THAN
MORE THAN is a direct general insurance brand of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd. Established in 2001, MORE THAN offers car, home, pet, and business insurance.