Do fleet drivers know the Highway Code changes… three years in?

GEM Motoring Assist is urging drivers to understand and follow the Highway Code changes introduced on 29 January 2022, which place greater responsibility on those who can cause the most harm. 

Key changes include giving priority to pedestrians at junctions, and advising drivers to give way to cyclists when turning.
Your fleet drivers should…
• Be extra vigilant at junctions and give way to pedestrians and cyclists  
• Maintain safe distances when passing vulnerable road users  
• When overtaking a cyclist at up to 30mph, allow at least 1.5 metres; at higher speeds, leave more space  
• When passing a horse, slow to 10mph and allow at least two metres clearance  
• Take extra care when turning to avoid cutting across cyclists or horse riders  

The Code also encourages using the 'Dutch Reach' method when opening car doors to avoid hitting cyclists. This is not as much fun as it sounds, it's simply a technique where a car occupant opens the door by reaching across with their arm that's furthest away from the door. This causes them to twist around and face over their shoulder, hence seeing any passing bicycles, other vehicles, or pedestrians, that they may have otherwise missed. This has significantly reduced the risk of 'dooring' accidents.

In 2023, 405 pedestrians and 87 cyclists were killed on Britain's roads.
Fleet trends' research shows that 20% of fleets are planning to invest more in driver training in 2025, while 10% of fleets are exploring options to invest in driver training for the first time.


 

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