Are motorists streets ahead in road code? (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Are motorists streets ahead in road code?

4:00pm Thursday 26th February 2009

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LEARNING the Highway Code is something all motorists remember, probably not so fondly, in preparation for their practical and or driving theory test – but has that knowledge stayed with you?

Sadly, it seems that if many of the people The Gazette questioned as part of a quick-snap poll took a driving theory test today, their chances of passing would be less than hopeful.

Stopping distances proved a real challenge, with many people admitting to having forgotten the crucial figures they memorised as learner drivers – although several people claimed they would know the distance by sight.

Road signs also proved troublesome, and with 29 additions to the latest copy of The Official Highway Code, covering quiet lanes, high-occupancy vehicle lanes, home zones and active traffic management schemes, it might be advisable to brush up on your knowledge.

Ian Sheppard runs Ian’s School of Motoring, in Basingstoke, and gives weekly advice to student drivers at Basingstoke College of Technology, in Worting Road.

He said: “The Highway Code is very important because it forms the basis of UK law, and if you don’t follow it, it can be used against you in court.”

He added: “I’m not surprised people are out of touch when it comes to stopping distances. I think the guide was written before many advances were made in car technology.

“I think people should take a mandatory driving lesson when they reapply for their plastic driving card every ten years.”

The latest edition of The Official Highway Code has become the fasting-selling edition, with one million copies sold in 15 months.

The Bookseller Magazine has recorded it as the best-selling non-fiction paperback for 2008.

Last month, a national campaign to promote the new edition of the motorists’ Bible, which was first published in 1931 costing only a penny, was launched.

Certain rules in the manual make up road traffic laws and must be obeyed. However, others are not compulsory, but advisable.

Rosemary Thew, chief executive of the Driving Standards Agency, said: “It is essential that all motorists refresh their knowledge of the rules and signs of the roads time and time again.

“The volume of sales is encouraging. But we still need to do more to reduce the number of casualties on our roads.”

She added: “We all have a responsibility to observe the Highway Code and drive appropriately. Every road user needs to take road safety seriously.”

These are some of the questions reporter Ben Ellery asked members of the public in Basingstoke...

1: In feet, what are the stopping distances (dry conditions) at the following speeds?

a) 10 mph b) 30 mph c) 70 mph

2: Identify road signs (see graphic above)

3. What are home zones and quiet lanes?

Answers: 1:a)27 feet; b)75 feet; c)315 feet

2:no overstaking; give priority to vehicles from opposite direction; no motor vehicles; T-junction with priority over vehicles from the right

3:Areas where people could be using the whole of the road for a range of activities

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