Your Safety My Safety

Road safety is a topic we’re all responsible for – whatever mode of transport we decide to use on any particular occasion. Road safety affects everyone because it includes people walking, cycling, horse riders, scooters, drivers and all other road users.

However, the updated Highway Code is clear that people facing the greatest risk in the event of a collision – people walking and cycling – are prioritised above those driving motor vehicles, who have the most responsibility to consider others due to the greater harm motor vehicles can cause in the event of a collision.

The Highway Code SHOW

The Highway Code is a national set of rules applicable in England, Scotland and Wales that explains how road users should behave in all circumstances. It is essential reading for all road users, including people walking, cycling, mobility scooter users, horse riders, car drivers and motorcycle riders.

The Highway Code can be downloaded from the Government website.

2022 updates to the Highway Code

As of 29 January 2022, The Highway Code has changed. These advisory changes have been implemented to improve safety for people walking, cycling and horse riding. Every road user still has a responsibility to keep themselves and each other safe, and the changes mean being ready to give priority, leave space and be considerate of others.

In summary, irrespective of your method of transport, a new hierarchy of road users has been introduced to ensure those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others.

New hierarchy of road users

The hierarchy places those road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy.

People walking (including children, older adults and disabled people) are most likely to be injured. They are at the top of the hierarchy
Next are people cycling, people riding horses and people driving motorcycles and horse-drawn vehicles
People driving cars, taxis, vans, minibuses, and large goods and passenger vehicles have the greater responsibility to keep people safe on the road

This means:

Giving people crossing and waiting to cross and cyclists (or people cycling) going straight ahead priority when turning in and out of junctions
Giving plenty of space when passing people cycling and horse riders
And making sure we’re acting with responsibility and respect to all road users

Specifically:

You should give people crossing and waiting to cross and people cycling going straight ahead priority when turning in and out of junctions
You should leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds
When driving, you should pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres of space
You should allow at least 2 metres of space and keep to a low speed when passing someone who is walking in the road
Car drivers and passengers should open their doors with the hand furthest from the door, to help them look over their shoulder to see people cycling or walking past before opening the door
People may cycle in the centre of the lane or two abreast for their own safety, whilst allowing others to overtake when it is safe for them to do so

You can view the Highway Code changes in full.

You might also be interested in learning about Smart Motorways.

Speed limits SHOW

Southampton City Council is committed to ensuring the city’s streets are safe for everyone who uses them. Our Connected Southampton 2040 Local Transport Plan sets out our objectives to make Southampton a place where people can easily and safely get around; and continue to reduce serious casualties from transport collisions towards zero, focusing on the safety of children and people walking and cycling.

The following images will help you understand various types of junction and crossing that can often be found in and around Southampton.

Using continuous footways - Give priority to pedestrians and cyclists if driving. Always check for traffic before crossing and slow your speed when approaching on bike.

Using contraflow cycle lanes - Follow the road markings indicating the direction of travel If driving, be aware of cyclists using the contraflow lane.

Cycling on a shared use path - Slow down, use your bell and allow plenty of space for people walking

Passing someone cycling - allow at least a metre and a half between your vehicle and the person cycling

Turning out of a junction - Look both ways, check for cyclists and motorcyclists and allow them plenty of space

Using e-scooters - Do not ride on pavements or twin ride. Be aware of your surroundings and other road users.

Using modal filters - If you are cycling, stay on the left if possible and slow down to pass through. If you are driving, do not park vehicles across modal filters

Using on-street parking - Be aware of other road users when pulling in or out of on-street parking bays. Be extra vigilant before opening car doors, using the your hand furthest from the door to ensure you turn your head before opening.

Using parallel crossings - drivers must give way to people walking or cycling

Using School Streets- Do not contravene a School Street timed road closure. If driving a permitted vehicle, travel slowly through the closure zone and give priority to pedestrians.

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If you have any questions about the rules, or you’d like anything explained further, the Highway Code is a useful tool that explains the rules for all situations.