Many drivers are unaware of recent changes to the Road Traffic Act regarding who has the right of way on the road, a new study has found. This means there could be millions of motorists on the road who are unfamiliar with the rules or what to do in certain situations.

An update to the Road Traffic Act gives pedestrians and cyclists priority over vehicles. For example, at intersections, pedestrians and cyclists have priority to cross before an oncoming car.

In this situation it would not be unusual for a car to honk at a person or cyclist crossing in front of them. However, under the Code, while they should always check that it is safe, they would be right.

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Studies suggest that this point is still often misunderstood on the road. It also means that it is more important than ever for drivers to focus on the road and be aware that someone could be crossing in front of them when turning at intersections.

ALA Insurance explained: “While the changes have been widely reported, rules designed to protect vulnerable users have been among the most overlooked. The changes introduced a new system for the hierarchy of roads, with pedestrians and cyclists at the top, followed by vehicles, which can cause the most damage in a collision.

“Shockingly, research shows that more than half of UK drivers don’t know the correct hierarchy since it was introduced.” Simon England, director of ALA, added: “There are some important rules in the Highway Code that all drivers need to be aware of, especially as many people will be cycling to work this Friday (Cycle to Work Day).

“Rule 139 states that you must always give a cyclist as much space as you would a car when overtaking. Overtaking too close puts cyclists at increased risk, which must be avoided at all costs.

Simon added: “Many cyclists choose to wear helmet cameras, meaning those caught not overtaking safely risk being named and shamed, as footage can be sent directly online to your local police. The hierarchy of road rules means drivers have a responsibility to keep vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, safe and this is an easy way to do that.”