The Highway code



Posted: Tuesday, January 13, 2009

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The Highway code was first introduced in 1931 and is truly one of the few books ever produced that can lay claim to saving thousands of lives each year.

When it was first introduced back in 1931 there was just over 2.3 million vehicles on the UK's roads yet over 7000 people a year died in a traffic related accident. At present there are over 27 million vehicles on the roads in the UK but thanks to advanced technology, the introduction of British Summertime and The Highway Code, those deaths have been reduced by half.

Somethings however have not changed. The Highway Code's very first edition urged all road user's to be careful and considerate to others, putting safety first. Other aspects of the code have changed considerably. In 1931, mirrors were not mentioned and drivers were advised to sound their horn when overtaking and presently advice on how to cross the road takes up nearly a whole chapter whereas in the early years it took up barely a paragraph. Adversly, more than a third of the original Highway Code described various hand signals the police and road users should use compared to the single page the current instructions behold.

Other points of interest to note are that the original edition cost one penny, was the only one to carry advertisements for various motoring organisations, it contained 18 pages of information and included advice to drivers of horse-drawn vehicles to rotate their whips above their heads then incline the whip to the left or right to show which direction they will turn.

Since then, there have been regular revisions of The Highway Code which have reflected changes in technology and traffic management. Diagrams of ten roadsigns were first shown in the second edition as was the dangers of driving whilst tired or under the influence of alcohol. Stopping distances were introduced in the third edition along with tips on driving and cycling.

The 1954 edition was complimented by colour diagrams. First aid tips were also disclosed whilst the first triangular warning signs were also introduced.

The fifth edition saw the inclusion of motorways which were intoduced in the UK. Advice was given on such matters as how to exit a slip road. The sixth edition saw photographs and 3D illustrations to help make rules more clear.

Then in 1978 the Green Cross code for pedestrians was introduced along with the familiar orange disabled badges. Prompted by soaring crime, The Highway Code also contained advice on vehicle security.

Finally, the 1990's saw the format, taller book and the inclusion of a section tailored for the new driving test which in the current edition has now become part of The Highway Code itself.

If you would like to obtain a copy of The Highway Code or would like further information about the driving theory test then visit http://www.passyourtest.weebly.com

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by straight talk
 3 years 6 days ago.
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Interesting and informative and something many of us should consider.
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