Nearly three-quarters of motorists are completely unaware of how they should behave if a lane is closed on a motorway or A-road, according to new research.
A study of more than 22,000 motorists by Halfords Autocentres found that just 27% of drivers know the Highway Code’s recommendation that drivers should adopt a ‘zip-merge’ approach, taking it in turns to take a place in the open lane at the head of the queue.
Rule 134 of the Highway Code states “You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed. In congested road conditions do not change lanes unnecessarily. Merging in turn is recommended, but only if safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, e.g. when approaching roadworks or a road traffic incident.”
Of the 73% who did not know about the merge-in-turn rule, 70% said they should get into the open lane as soon as possible – a move that Halfords says “can contribute significantly to traffic congestion”. Perhaps more concerning, though, was that 3% of respondents thought it was acceptable to straddle two lanes in order to prevent other drivers from passing.
But perhaps motorists’ ignorance of the Highway Code recommendations should not come as a surprise, especially after more than half of those questioned by Halfords claimed not to have read the document for some time. More than a third of respondents said they hadn’t read the Highway Code since they passed their test, while 20% said they hadn’t looked at the code in more than a decade.
Andy Randall, the managing director of Halfords Autocentres, said driver’s planning to get away during the half-term break should prepare themselves by swotting up on the rules of the road, as well as making sure their cars are not the cause of congestion.
“We’d recommend drivers get ready for the half-term getaway by making sure their cars are roadworthy and refreshing their knowledge of the Highway Code,” he said. “Our expert technicians will check your car over for free, to make sure it is in good working order before you head off on holiday.”
Randall’s message was backed by Highways England, the government-run organisation responsible for the upkeep of Britain’s motorways and major A-roads.
“We want all drivers to arrive at their destinations safely, and we urge motorists to make sure that they are ready for their journey,” said Highways England’s head of safety, Richard Leonard. “Simple checks on things like tyre tread and pressure, and making sure you have plenty of fuel and the oil topped up, can all help to prevent breakdowns.”
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