Driving safely by the book
Correspondent • Published 10 May 2011 09:30
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A poor understanding of The Highway Code is compromising road safety, a new survey has revealed. Results from the poll of 5,000 motorists showed a large percentage failed to correctly answer a number of general knowledge and picture questions covering The Highway Code.
The survey, commissioned by leading tyre manufacturer Goodyear, showed that 54% of drivers did not know to stop when a traffic light shone its red and amber lights together. 48% of those surveyed also didn't know that the typical stopping distance for a car driving at 50mph is 53 metres or 13 car lengths. Nearly a fifth thought they could get away with 36 metres.
When asked what the no-overtaking road sign meant, a worrying 23% got it wrong and over 75% assumed that the 30mph minimum speed sign actually indicated the maximum speed allowed. However, while the results showed many drivers were out of touch with the road rules, 95% are under the illusion that their understanding of The Highway Code is either adequate or good and over 40% don't believe that drivers should be re-tested.
"Understanding the rules of The Highway Code can significantly reduce road accidents," said Eddy Geerdink, Goodyear's marketing director. "Our survey shows that a number of drivers would fail their driving test based on this knowledge and at worst it could put the lives of fellow drivers at risk if they wrongly interpreted them in real motoring situations."
As well as the Goodyear survey, the National Cyclists' Organisation, CTC, recently carried out a Highway Code giveaway in central London. Campaigns and policy director, Roger Geffen, said: "If the AA wants to improve safety for cyclists, it should work with groups like CTC to encourage all road users to follow the Highway Code. Yes, this includes cyclists too, but police data shows that the risks cyclists face come overwhelmingly from dangerous driving."
Goodyear announced the survey results as it welcomes back the Goodyear Blimp to the skies of Europe. The campaign, entitled 'The Goodyear Safety Tour', will tour 20 European countries to highlight the work of the tyre firm in improving road safety.
"At Goodyear, we firmly believe that safety is a shared responsibility," continued Eddy. "Through this commitment we look forward to sharing the results of this survey with the UK population by using the Goodyear Blimp to underline the importance of road safety."
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 28 Apr 11
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