If you ever questioned whether that driver in front of you actually knows the Highway Code as they pull off an illegal maneuver the likelihood is that they don’t., a study of drivers found that only nine percent of people were able to accurately identify a puffin crossing, and more than half (57 percent) were unable to identify a pelican crossing.
According to the research conducted by Admiral Car Insurance, only one third of those questioned were aware of the new Highway Code guidance even though it has been in effect for more than a year.
Only eight percent of people aged 65 and older were conscious of the revised rules, which is significantly lower than the percentage of younger people who are aware of it (41 percent).
According to statistics provided by the Department of Transport, pedestrians face an elevated chance of death or serious injury, making them the second-most vulnerable group on the road, right behind people riding in cars. This information highlights the increased dangers that pedestrians face.
According to the most recent data, the number of pedestrians who were killed or seriously wounded on British roads increased more than any other group of road users, climbing by 30 percent in comparison to the previous year's numbers.
“Having any sort of car accident can be a frightening experience, but when a pedestrian is involved, the implications can be devastating,” said Lorna Connelly, Head of Claims at Admiral Car Insurance.
“While the number of pedestrians who were sadly killed or seriously injured on our roads reduced during the pandemic, it’s concerning to see numbers creeping up again.
“What’s worrying about these findings is how little both drivers and pedestrians understand about the designated crossings and what the rules are to safely use them.
“We all have a responsibility to act with caution, and traffic collisions can be catastrophic, so it’s vital we do all we can to keep one another safe.”