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Read the latest on
car accident law in the UK.
The official Highway Code has been updated
for the first time since 1999 - 30 September
2007
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 For more on
making a resulting from a
collision with a speeding
driver, please contact our
solicitors on FREEPHONE 0800
0322210
CALL 0800 0322210 - or if
preferred contact our discreet ONLINE CHAT LINE - or
complete our enquiry form opposite.
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