That as well, but @cstross really is talking about the test that motorists have to pass.
https://gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/signals-to-other-road-users#armsignals
It's in the theory test nowadays.
Driving instructor shares top tips to tackling roundabouts for learner drivers
I was thinking, whilst driving the relative around, of writing an amused comment about nature's own 20 mph National Speed Limit …
… but my mood was spoiled by the dangerous fool who decided that the safe distance to keep behind me, in this weather, on an unlit country A road, was 1 car length.
Most people were driving slowly, but few were *also* extending their safe distances from the vehicles in front in order to account for the conditions, and I passed one accident scene.
At least one person hadn't thought what a hazard freshly-snowed-upon speed bumps can be, too.
Must-know winter road rules to avoid £2,500 fines
Wet leaves, icy conditions and reduced visibility pose serious threats, and car insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk are warning motorists they could be fined up to £2,500 for not knowing or disobeying the rules.
The Highway Code includes a number of weather-specific rules, which motorists must take note of as wet, cold weather takes over much of the country.
Motorists are being urged to adjust driving habits, including cleaning number plates, avoiding pre-heating their car, increasing stopping distances and using fog lights appropriately.
Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said:
“Many drivers don’t realise that some Highway Code rules become even more critical in the colder months, and breaking them could result in serious fines, penalty points, or even invalidated insurance. These aren’t just safety recommendations; they’re legal requirements designed to protect all road users.
“From clearing snow and ice from your windows and number plates, to avoiding idling and using fog lights correctly, every action contributes to safer winter driving.
“Insurers expect motorists to take reasonable care of their vehicles, so if you’re involved in an accident while driving with obscured visibility or worn tyres, you could find your claim denied.
“Taking just a few extra minutes before setting off to check your car, clear your view and adjust your driving for the conditions could make all the difference.”
Here are the essential Highway Code rules to be aware of this winter:
Dirty number plates – Rule 229
Your car registration plates must be clear at all times. Winter conditions make it much harder to keep your vehicle squeaky clean, but it’s important to ensure any mud, leaves, snow or ice are cleared from your number plates, as they must be completely visible and legible from a minimum distance of 20 metres. Failure to follow this rule could land motorists with a fine of up to £2,500.
Increased stopping distances – Rule 234
When driving in wet conditions this winter, your stopping distances will be at least double those required for dry roads. Rain on roads lowers tyre grip, meaning your car will travel further before the friction brings the vehicle to a stop.
Use fog lights appropriately – Rule 236
During the colder months it’s very important to understand when you should and shouldn’t be using your fog lights. You must not use your rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. This is because they could dazzle other drivers or even obscure your brake lights. If you are driving and the visibility improves, you must turn them off, so it’s important to be aware of the conditions and your surroundings.
Pre-heating your car – Rule 123
While it can be tempting to pre-heat your car or leave it running quickly while you nip somewhere, you could end up facing a fine. Highway Code rule 123 states you must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running, this is because car idling is a major source of air pollution. It also leaves your car vulnerable to theft that is unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Snow on your car – Rule 229
This winter, it’s important to make sure you remove any snow on the roof of your car before taking to the road. Driving with snow on your roof is dangerous as it could slide onto your windscreen and impair visibility. If you are in an accident or stopped by the police, it could be viewed as using a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition.
Carry cold weather essentials – Rule 228
The Highway Code advises all motorists to avoid driving in severe weather if possible, but if your journey is essential then make sure you are fully equipped with cold weather essentials in case of emergency. It is advised to carry a de-icer, ice scraper, torch, boots, first-aid kit, jump leads and warm clothing when driving in turbulent weather conditions.
If conditions deteriorate to a red weather warning, you may be advised not to drive unless it’s essential, so make sure to keep up to speed with the weather and any public safety announcements, as it could make claiming off your car insurance a challenge if you’re going against safety recommendations.
As a price comparison site, Quotezone helps millions of drivers every year, compare and find savings on their car insurance.
#highwayCode #motoring #Quotezone
I was hit from behind by a bus
Injury, Mental health, Road safety
Enjoy 75 PACS §3543 and §3544 (part of the #Pennsylvania Vehicle Code). Anywhere other than at a pedestrian crossing, all traffic has right of way over pedestrians crossing the road. There's no right to use the carriageway if there's a footway. And if there's no footway, pedestrians using the carriageway have to give way to everyone else.
https://palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=75&div=0&chpt=35
The motorcar lobby pushed hard, name-calling pedestrians using roads "#jaywalking", to get laws like this enacted across the U.S.A..
Other interesting items of the PA Vehicle Code that are unlike the U.K.:
Ambulances have to obey the speed limit and stop at red lights, but funeral vehicles can go through red lights. Pedestrians, depending from city law, can be fined for disobeying their red lights at pedestrian crossings. Right-on-red is allowed. Cyclists are not permitted to pass stopped cars at pedestrian crossings, and must obey speed limits.
The subsequent plot development of the perpetrator burgling the victim's house (18 PACS §3502) was easily predictable. But I didn't predict the perpetrator getting a free bicycle repair.
In the meantime, the victim is suffering from brain trauma in the hospital, which clearly the perpetrator is not paying the hospital bill for (which begs the question of why the hospital's accounts department isn't trying to track this person's identity down).
I've just reached the part of the movie where the victim instead outright talks about paying the perpetrator for her trouble. I kid you not.
We all already know what the plot twist is going to be, by the way.
This is the idealized world of U.S.A. romantic fiction. Vehicular assault (18 PACS §2701 ?) gets you free stuff. Hey ho. No-one has been shot yet, at least. But there is half of the movie yet to go for that to happen.
#MelissaHill #ChristmasMovies #HighwayCode #USLaw #cycling #Pennsylvania
The motorcar lobby has really done a number on Americans when it comes to the idea of "jaywalking".
I'm watching A Gift For Christmas (2017). The female protagonist is #cycling furiously and not watching the road ahead and runs over the male protagonist who is using what appears to be a pedestrian crossing in #Philadelphia.
The "#jaywalking is bad" culture is so ingrained that it is presented as perfectly normal that not only do the police allow the careless speeding rider to get off scott free, they even let the rider claim the victim pedestrian's personal effects (including keys) and hand the perpetrator the victim's pet without blinking.
Is #MelissaHill's A Gift To Remember just as steeped in anti-pedestrian thinking?
Reading Title 75 Chapter 35 of the #Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, it appears that this isn't merely a fictional conceit. The law really is this bad.
The cyclist might be liable for a $10 fine (sic!) under §3502.
Short video about the H2 Highway Code rule and I like this rule particularly when I can use it as a driver to slow down and stop for pedestrians and annoy traffic behind me that wants me to turn down side roads and get out of their way.
Quite tricky to legally and safely navigate around that ambulance.
I wonder how many drivers quietly said "Sod it!" to themselves and went around the illegal side of the pedestrian island.
JdeBP
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