There are certain things drivers do every day on the roads that they won’t give a second thought to – but they could actually be against the Highway Code
Motorists across the UK engage in various habits without a second thought – yet they are unknowingly breaching the Highway Code.
Some driving behaviours are so widespread that most people wouldn’t think there’s anything wrong with them. A prime example is sounding the horn. For safety reasons, the horn should only be used to alert someone to your presence. This could include blind bends, or if someone is reversing out of a space or driveway, and may not see you coming.
The horn is commonly used out of frustration, as motorists vent their anger at others. It is also sometimes used to prompt someone to proceed at traffic lights or a roundabout, or even to just say hello to someone. It comes after an exciting heatwave forecast with maps revealed the exact date a 39C heat plume will also scorch the UK.
However, the Highway Code says the horn shouldn’t be used for these reasons. It comes after UK drivers were warned over ‘avoiding’ road instead of having to follow new rule.
Motoring experts at LKQ Euro Car Parts said: “Over half of UK drivers (52%) think it’s harmless to beep a car horn at other road users in frustration, and over a third (36%) admit they have done so previously.
“However, while you can use your horn to signal danger to yourself or other road users, you are breaking the Highway Code if you beep simply out of irritation and can receive a Fixed Penalty Notice of £30.
“According to the rule 112 of the Highway Code: ‘Use your horn only while your vehicle is moving, and you need to warn other road users of your presence. ‘Never sound your horn aggressively. You must not use your horn while stationary on a road – “except” when another road user poses a danger’.”
The identical rule applies to flashing your headlights, which should solely be used to alert others that you’re there. It mustn’t be employed as a gesture to give someone permission to go ahead, or as a way of expressing gratitude.
Again, this is behaviour that occurs routinely in everyday driving.