Highway Code update 2007

Read the latest on car accident law in the UK.

The official Highway Code which has been around for 76 years, has recently been updated following a consultation process between the government (DfT) and industry bodies.

The alterations have been introduced to deal with the changing environment on Britain's roads. The industry also seeks to safeguard against new threats to road safety which were not relevant when the Code was last updated in 1999. Mobile phones for example were not as common back then but the amended Code discusses the seriousness of this new threat and helps to bolster new legislation on this issue. Here is the snippet relating to mobile phones:

Rule 149 - Mobile phones and in-vehicle technology
You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. You MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, when driving or when supervising a learner driver, except to call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop. Never use a hand-held microphone when driving. Using hands-free equipment is also likely to distract your attention from the road. It is far safer not to use any telephone while you are driving or riding - find a safe place to stop first or use the voicemail facility and listen to messages later.

Here at the Claims Connection we specialise in claims for road accident compensation. If you have been injured as a result of another road users negligence, you may be able to obtain damages on a no win no fee arrangement.

Child car seat rules were also tightened in 2006 and guidance needed to be introduced to highlight the key changes.

Rule 100 - Car seats and seatbelt safety

The driver MUST ensure that all children under 14 years of age in cars, vans and other goods vehicles wear seat belts or sit in an approved child restraint where required (see table above). If a child is under 1.35 metres (approx 4 feet 5 inches) tall, a baby seat, child seat, booster seat or booster cushion MUST be used suitable for the child’s weight and fitted to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The Highway Code celebrated its 75th birthday in 2006. When it was first launched in 1931 there were just 2.3 million motor vehicles in Great Britain, yet over 7,000 people were killed in road accidents each year. Now the number of vehicles on the road has passed the 30 million mark and yet road deaths are down to 3000+ each year. Compensation claims arising from road accidents are also reducing.

Great strides have been made and the new Code is aiming to keep apace with the modern world whilst maintaining its core function as a best practice guide