In the United Kingdom, the Highway Code is set to be updated this weekend, with the new ‘THINK!’ campaign being launched to ensure that all motorists are aware of how the new rules will affect them. From the 29th January 2022, these adjustments will come into force, as the government attempts to make the roads safer.

Also, if passed by Parliament, this weekend will also see a ‘hierarchy of road-users’ introduced – something that means that those driving heavier and quicker modes of transport will need to bear the biggest responsibility for minimising the threat they pose to other drivers on the road.

The ‘Dutch Reach’ to Be Encouraged

As part of the rule changes, motorists are to be encouraged to use what’s known as the ‘Dutch Reach’ when opening their door, which involves using the opposite hand. The reason for this is that it makes you look over your shoulder when doing so, resulting in less accidents where pedestrians and cyclists are injured by opening vehicle doors.

The THINK! Campaign will cost the government £500,000 and will launch across the UK in order to teach all drivers about their new responsibilities, being broadcast on radio and across social media channels. This will be followed by another campaign later in the year to refresh the message.

Updates Are Advisory & Not Fineable

It’s important to understand that these new updates fall into the ‘advisory’ category, which means that there will be no fines issued for those found not following the new rules. On the subject, UK Roads Minister, Baroness Vere had this to say…

“I’m proud to say we have some of the safest roads in the world, but I’m determined to make them safer still for everyone. These updates to The Highway Code will do just that by bringing the rules into the 21st century, encouraging people to respect and consider the needs of those around them, ensuring all road-users know the rules of the road.”

The soon-to-be introduced changes were initially announced to the national media in the Summer of 2021 following a public consultation that took the opinions of more than 21,000 people into account. The vast majority supported all the updated changes coming into force this weekend.

Making the Roads Safer in the United Kingdom

These are the latest in a range of measures that have been introduced by the government to make the roads in the UK safer. At HGVC, we’re right behind any moves that have road safety in mind, something that we always prioritise in all of the industry-leading HGV driver training we offer to people via our nationwide network.

If you’d like to know more about what allows us to meet the HGV driver training needs of companies up and down the country, regardless of the scale of the requirement, please take the time to browse our website, where you’ll find everything you need to know.

Alternatively, to talk to us directly, call us on 0330 818 8888 or click our ‘contact us’ link and message us, after which we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.