It is better to be self-disciplined as you cannot always stay self-motivated. It's your moral duty to be considerate towards most vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, older people, disabled people, cyclists, motorcyclists, equestrians, and even children when driving. Whether you are a driver or rider, the new highway code is in favour of everyone belonging to or driving on the roads of England, Scotland, and Wales. All road users are expected to abide by the road rules. This new highway code consists of some legal requirements as well, and mocking them is a criminal offencen against which you can be issued hefty fines and penalty points on your driving licence. You could also be disqualified from driving any further and/or sent behind cells depending on the degree of the offence you commit. Hence, it is of utmost importance that you are aware of the changes in the highway code, effective from this year (2019), before hitting the road/highway with your vehicles. The government incorporates amendments to the Highway Code rules from time to time for a better and safe drive. It's not possible to cover them all in a single blog. Let's be familiar with the Highway Code rules (149, 150, 160, and 239) updated in the November month of the year 2018: 1. Rule 150: Earlier, the drivers were allowed to park their high-end cars in tight parking spaces using parking assist features of their smartphones, while sitting in the car. However, the new clause added to the Highway Code has made it legal for drivers to use a handheld remote control device or an app if they are within six metres of the vehicle or inside. The app or device you are using MUST be legal, and you should not endanger others’ lives when using it. 2. Rule 160: • Always keep to the left and follow what the road signs or markings indicate. In exceptional cases such as while overtaking, you are allowed to turn right or pass parked vehicles or pedestrians • For your improved road view, keep well to the left on right-hand bends. This will also help in preventing the risk of collision possibilities with the traffic coming from the other side. • Where possible, put both your hands on the steering wheel when driving, to ensure complete control on the vehicle all the time. Driver assistance systems are also useful if used as per manufacturer’s instructions. • If you are driving a large vehicle or towing a trailer, allow plenty of room to the other road users, especially the cyclists and motorcyclists who can crop up anytime from within the traffic. • Shift to a low gear before reaching a long downhill slope to control your speed and torque, and empower your engine. • Be more cautious with the extra length and weight of your trailer when towing, as they affect overtaking and manoeuvring, as well as braking and acceleration, respectively. 3. Rule 239: This rule guides the motorists about safe and correct parking style, and places such as off-street parking areas, or bays on the road (marked out with white lines). Below are some points they need to keep in mind, in case, they can’t avoid stopping on the roadside: • Stop your vehicle adjacent to the side • When stopping close to the vehicle displaying a Blue Badge, allow sufficient space for the occupant to get in or out • Parking against the traffic flow is prohibited • You must switch off the engine, headlights, and fog lights • Apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle • Check for cyclists or other traffic, when opening your door and make sure it doesn’t hit anyone on the road • Allow passengers (especially children), using the side next to the kerb for getting out of the vehicle • All the valuables should be kept out of sight to ensure your vehicle is secure • Do not leave your vehicle unlocked and without pulling the handbrake The government has noticed a significant drop in road casualties after implementing changes in the Highway Code. Being a skilled driver is not enough to avoid road accidents, being a vigilant driver is. One should not violate the Highway Code just for the heck of avoiding fines and other punishments, but should instead make deliberate efforts towards making the other road users feel safe whenever they are on the road. Undoubtedly, a safe vehicle ensures safe driving, and MOT plays a vital role in keeping your vehicle roadworthy as per the provisions of law. MOT test updates you about your vehicle’s health so that you can know about the repairs and replacements (in case of faulty components) necessary to make your vehicle fit for roads. For MOT in Rotherham motorists trust ETS Auto Centre; book your MOT with us today, if its due.
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