The Highway Code is now 83 years old. Typically, of anything official, it has grown in size to 145 pages. No doubt the 1931 version was easy to learn and remember. We do not know how large that was but by 1946, there were still only 15 road signs to learn as opposed to about 175 now.
We think this is counter productive. Referred to by rote for a test and then discarded, achieves nothing at all. The new books are best used as reference books. Driving cannot be about parroting rote whilst crashing. So we prefer the late great Paul Smith's ( Founder of Safe Speed) version in 100 words. If all road users learned it, the roads would be safer places; so here it is..
-
Drive on the left. Make sure you can see and be seen. Keep a constant look out all around. Be aware of signs and regulations and why they are there. Be predictable.
-
Recognise and anticipate danger and keep clear space from it. Always ensure that you can stop within the distance that you know is clear. Develop your skills.
-
Give courtesy, co-operation and space to others. Don’t obstruct them.
-
Never take risks, drive unfit or compete with others.
-
Safety is paramount and far more important than priority. Take personal responsibility for your safety and the safety of those nearby.
A Highway Code in 100 Words
Paul Smith
