A shocking number of UK motorists are breaking a fundamental Highway Code rule without even realising it, potentially risking fines and compromising road safety.
The Most Commonly Ignored Rule
According to recent research, an overwhelming majority of drivers fail to properly indicate when changing lanes or exiting roundabouts. Rule 186 of the Highway Code clearly states that signals must be used to warn other road users of your intentions.
Why This Matters
Failing to indicate properly can lead to:
- Dangerous last-minute manoeuvres
- Confusion for other drivers
- Increased risk of collisions
- Potential £1,000 fines in serious cases
Roundabout Confusion
The research highlights particular problems at roundabouts, where many drivers either:
- Signal too late
- Forget to cancel indicators
- Don't signal at all when exiting
This creates hazardous situations, especially for cyclists and motorcyclists who rely on clear signals from other road users.
Expert Advice
Driving instructors recommend the 'mirror-signal-manoeuvre' routine for every lane change or turn. They emphasise that indicators should be activated early enough to give others time to react, but not so early as to cause confusion.
With road safety being a priority for all users, revisiting the Highway Code basics could prevent countless accidents and near-misses on UK roads every day.
