The Highway Code
The Highway Code
The old classic publication that's been with us since the 1930's, always by your side, your regular read, since you first took to the road many moons ago
Is there anything that you, the professional driver, don't know about the Highway Code and the rules within it ?
Well, is there ?
A basic overview, so just some of the subjects, we cover in methodical detail within this module :
The Highway Code : an introduction
We look at the history of the Highway Code, why we have it, and why an understanding of it is essential to road safely.
We don't attempt to read the Highway Code from cover to cover, we focus on the aspects of the Highway Code that are most relevant for you, the professional driver.
The Hierarchy of Road Users
January 2022 addition to The Highway Code, which outlines the responsibilities all road users have with regard to the safety of others.
Those in charge of vehicles that cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.
Hazards and hazard recognition
Having defined exactly what is meant by a hazard, and the various types of hazard a driver is most likely to encounter, we then discuss the skills that you as a driver need to possess, and constantly hone, in order to recognise hazards and in doing so keep yourself and other road users safe.
The basic rules of driving
Remaining at all times in full control of your vehicle, adapting to ever changing traffic or weather conditions, showing consideration for other road users, ensuring a vehicle is in a safe condition, and a driver is fit to drive are all considered to be the basic rules we must be aware of and obey when driving a vehicle on a public road.
We'll be working through exactly what the Highway Code states with regard to these points.
Speed Limits and Stopping Distances
We're going to be looking at these, what the limits are for various classes of vehicle and what the punishments are for exceeding the speed limit.
We'll also discuss stopping distances, and look at just how dangerous driivng too close to the vehicle in front is.
Incidents and breakdowns
We cover what the Highway Code instructs, or advises, us to do should we have a breakdown, or are involved in an incident with another vehicle, or road user.
Motorways
Motorways are a special category of road, with their own specific rules, designed for long-distance, high-speed jouneys.
It is fair to say many, if not most, commercial drivers spend many hours of their working lives driving on motorways.
We will be looking at the rules of motorway driving, including rules and signage that are unique to motorways.
Junctions
A significant portion (some estimates as many as 60%) of UK road accidents and around 50% of all UK motorcycle accidents occur at junctions.
All drivers and riders need to focus their full attention and adjust their speed and road position, to safely negotiate junctions, whether passing through or emerging from a junction.
We will be looking at some of the latest research into how accidents occur at junctions and what you need to do to avoid them.
Road signs and road markings
No Highway Code course would be complete without taking a look at road signs and markings, they are pretty much everywhere, and it is essential that road users fully understand them.
We'll look at the system of road signage the UK uses, the different shapes used to give orders or warnings, and then we'll take a look at some signs themselves in order to refresh our knowledge and understanding of the system.