STAY SAFE! TOWING AROUND VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

A poorly driven car and caravan can do a great deal of damage, especially around vulnerable road users. Here’s how to keep everyone safe

THE HIGHWAY CODE was updated in 2022 with a strong emphasis on protecting people on two wheels, on foot, or riding horses. The guiding principle of these changes is the ‘hierarchy of road users’ – those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility.

Sometimes this is misrepresented as implying that vulnerable road users can do as they please, which isn’t the intention of the changes. Everyone – whether they are pedestrians, cyclists or drivers towing a caravan – should always obey the rules of the road and do what they can to keep themselves and others safe.

Here’s our guide to towing a caravan safely around vulnerable road users.

Cyclists

The latest edition of The Highway Code updated the guidance on how to drive around bicycles. Some of the wording clarified existing advice and rules, rather than introducing entirely new principles.

Now cyclists aren’t always the most popular group among other road users, but whatever your views, everyone deserves to get from A to B in safety. Underneath the Lycra and cycle helmet is someone’s daughter, son, wife or husband.

It’s worth understanding that cyclists are allowed to ride in the centre of the lane on quiet roads, in slower moving traffic, at the approach to junctions or when the road narrows. There’s also no rule against them riding two abreast. In fact, it can be safer for cyclists to ride next to each other, especially in groups, because this discourages unsafe overtaking, while also shortening the length of the group whenever a safe overtaking opportunity does present itself.

The flipside is that the Highway Code asks cyclists to be aware of drivers behind them, letting them overtake (for example, by stopping) when it’s safe to do so.