The Official Highway Code: A Brief Summary of Key Points

The Highway Code exists for one reason - to keep all road users, passengers and pedestrians safe. Most people would like to think that they have relatively safe driving habits, but evidence suggests this isn’t quite as true as it could be.

Revisiting the official Highway Code from time to time is one of the best ways of avoiding accidents and staying safe on the roads. The full text of the Highway Code is extensive to say the least - the following representing a brief summary of some of the most important rules of all:

1. Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication.
2. Always drive at a safe speed for the conditions at the time - not at the maximum speed limits.
3. Make every effort to be aware of your surroundings on a 360-basis, monitoring for other road users, pedestrians, cyclists and hazards.
4. Always keep a gap of at least 2 metres between your car and the vehicle in front, or more when travelling at speed or in poor weather conditions.
5. Be aware of the fact that loud music and other distractions while driving can take your attention away from the road ahead.
6. Drive with exceptional care in built up areas where children, elderly people, animals or obstacles may appear in front of you at any time.
7. Ensure that all satellite navigation systems, audio systems and general electronics are set up and activated before you set off - never while your vehicle is in motion.
8. Switch off your mobile phone before setting off and under no circumstances use any mobile devices while driving.
9. Always ensure that the clothing and footwear you drive in is appropriate and enables you to operate your vehicle’s controls properly.
10. Carry out a series of basic checks and adjustments (seat height, mirrors, tyre pressures etc.) before taking to the roads.
11. It is against the law to take even the shortest of journeys without wearing your seatbelt, unless you have a medical exemption certificate.
12. Avoid the temptation to drive aggressively or excessively fast by allowing plenty of extra time to reach your destination.
13. Where possible, avoid driving during peak hours when roads are at their busiest and the chance of a collision is at its highest.
14. Do not drive if you feel tired or lethargic, as you may fall asleep behind the wheel and cause an accident.
15. Take regular breaks during long journeys, stopping every couple of hours at least for a short walk, a coffee or a nap in a safe place.
16. Exercise patience and restraint at all times, as road rage is one of the leading causes of accidents and dangerous incidents on the roads.

More information can be found on the official page of the full Highway Code online, which is considered mandatory reading for all new drivers prior to taking to the roads for the first time.