A STAGGERING 70 per cent of Britain’s drivers don’t understand the rules around what to do when a lane is closed on a motorway or dual carriageway, according to research carried out by Halfords Autocentres.
The nationwide servicing and repair chain surveyed over 22,000 drivers as part of the Halfords Autocentres Roadworthiness Quiz, which revealed the shocking statistic.
While the Highway Code recommends the concept of ‘zip-merging’, where drivers merge slowly at the head of a queue, a staggering seven in 10 motorists believe that the correct procedure is to get into the open lane ‘as soon as possible’ ahead of a closure – something which can contribute significantly to traffic congestion. Only 27 per cent of drivers know that merging in turn is the correct procedure, while a worrying three per cent think it’s acceptable to straddle two lanes to block other drivers from passing.
Yet Highway Code Rule 134 states: “You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed. In congested road conditions do not change lanes unnecessarily. Merging in turn is recommended but only if safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, e.g. when approaching road works or a road traffic incident.â€
“We’d recommend drivers get ready for the half term getaway by making sure their cars are roadworthy and refreshing their knowledge of the Highway Code,†said Andy Randall, Halfords Autocentres Managing Director. “Our expert technicians will check your car over for free, to make sure it is in good working order before you head off on holiday.â€
It’s little surprise that not everyone is aware of Rule 134, though, as the quiz also revealed that 36% of drivers hadn’t read the Highway Code since passing their driving test, with one-in-five drivers (20%) admitting it was over a decade since they picked it up.
The Halfords Roadworthiness Quiz, part of Halfords Autocentres Roadworthiness Week, features 11 questions aimed at testing drivers’ knowledge in a fun, interactive format, which also aims to help road users understand some of the newer or less well-known Motoring laws. It can be found at https://www.halfordsautocentres.com/advice/news/quiz-how-roadworthy-are-you
As well as the Highway Code question, motorists can test their knowledge of laws around windscreen washers and tyre tread depth, as well as gain tips on how to help ensure their car passes its MOT first time around.
The initiative has also won the support of Highways England, which is very keen to keep the country’s network of motorways and major A roads running smoothly and safely during the first big getaway of 2019.
Richard Leonard, Highways England Head of Road Safety, said: “We want all drivers to arrive at their destinations safely, and we urge Motorists to make sure that they are ready for their journey by checking their vehicles beforehand.
“Simple checks on things like tyre tread and pressure, and making sure you have plenty of fuel and the oil topped up, can all help to prevent breakdowns. This quiz will helpfully remind people about the importance of those checks.”
There are 85,000 breakdowns a year on the country’s roads, and of those around 40 per cent are preventable with better vehicle maintenance. Fewer breakdowns means better safety all round, for drivers, their passengers and those involved in recovery and incident management on the country’s roads.
To save drivers money and remind them about vehicle safety, Halfords Autocentres offers a free safety check:Â http://www.halfordsautocentres.com/car-care/free-safety-check
