Car insurers have issued a warning amid confusion over Highway Code changes.
Major Highway Code changes were introduced in January, with motoring organisations urging drivers to familiarise themselves with the driving rules again. Veygo and Admiral have now contacted their customers after noticing "much discussion" on social media.
The emails warn customers to "be aware and prepared".
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Motorists are urged to familiarise themselves with four of the new rules, as these seem to be causing some confusion. These are:
The 'Dutch Reach'
The "Dutch Reach" method of opening doors requires people to open car doors using their hand furthest away from it. Such a movement prompts them to turn their body towards the door, making it easier to check the road for approaching cyclists
Car passengers are also expected to look all around, using their mirrors, before opening the door of their vehicle. Injuring someone by opening your door can land you with a fine of up to £1,000.
Ban of use of mobile phones
Previously, rules meant texting or calling while driving was illegal. But since March 25, motorists who so much as touch their phone can be hit with a £200 penalty. Drivers must not so much as unlock their phone while behind the wheel.
This also includes being stationary in traffic, such as at traffic lights or motorway queues - and drivers are only exempt from the new rule for two reasons.
The first of these is if you are making a phone call to the emergency services. According to Government legislation, you are exempt if you are the device to call the police, fire, ambulance or other emergency service on 112 or 999, you are acting in response to a genuine emergency, and it is unsafe or impracticable for you to cease driving in order to make the call.
Drivers who are using their phone to pay at a drive-thru are also exempt from the rule. This is only the case if you’re making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving.
Priority at junctions
Pedestrians now get the right of way at junctions, with motorists required to give way where once they would have had to if a pedestrian was already on the junction road. Drivers and cyclists must continue giving way to pedestrians at zebra crossings and at light-controlled crossings when the pedestrian light is green.
The new rules also give road users that can cause the most damage a greater responsibility for keeping the road safe, with drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, vans/minibuses, cars/taxis and motorcycles facing the most scrutiny.
Hierarchy of road users
Pedestrians get a better deal in this new-look rule book, sitting atop the hierarchy of road users as one of the most vulnerable groups on our highways, along with cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists, and children, older adults and disabled people.
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