Leicester is home to the most clued up drivers on the Highway Code in the UK, new research has revealed.
A study of 2,000 UK drivers, commissioned by Vertu Motors, found that motorists in Leicester have the best overall understanding of both new and established Highway Code rules, followed by Plymouth and Wolverhampton.
These findings follow Vertu Motors’ research, which concerningly revealed that less than half of UK drivers could identify more than one of the new Highway Code rules, introduced on 29 January 2022.
When it comes to knowledge of specific rules, 55 per cent of drivers in Leicester know that the gap between cars should be at least two seconds, while more Leicesterians knew that this should double in the rain (53%).
Moreover, 70 per cent of motorists in Leicester know that the national speed limit is 70mph on the motorways, compared to the national result of 50 per cent.
Almost two thirds (64%) of drivers in Leicester know that if people have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, the people crossing have priority and traffic should give way. Only 48 per cent of drivers in the UK correctly identified this rule as part of the Highway Code.
Furthermore, more than half of drivers (52%) in Leicester know that according to the new rules, drivers should consider cyclists like another motor vehicle, which is 16 per cent more than UK drivers overall.
Meanwhile, 56 per cent know that drivers are prohibited from using their phone even if their vehicle is stationary, whereas only 41 per cent of UK motorists understand this new guidance.
Exploring drivers in Leicester’s attitudes towards the Highway Code, 48 per cent think knowing the Highway Code is essential for being a good driver.
On the other end of the spectrum, Leeds was found to be home to the least knowledgeable drivers in the nation.
Only one quarter of Leeds drivers could identify the latest guidance for using handheld devices, while just 16 per cent understand the revised hierarchy of road users at a junction crossing.
A spokesperson at Vertu Motors commented on the research: “It is interesting to see the differences in knowledge of the Highway Code between different cities in the UK.
“Leicester road users will surely be relieved to hear that their city had the best overall understanding of the Highway Code.
Nevertheless, there are still many drivers in Leicester who lack necessary knowledge of the Highway Code, with even more motorists across the UK not being aware of its latest guidance..
“Regardless of how experienced a driver you are, you should always keep up to date with the Highway Code. Re-read the rules at least once a year to make sure you and other road users are kept safe.”
To help drivers improve their knowledge of the new Highway Code rules, the experts at Vertu Motors have shared guidance of what motorists need to know about this update.
Comments