In early 2022, the Highway Code underwent major updates - most notably, the introduction of the hierarchy of road users, which places a greater responsibility on those who can do the most harm (like drivers of larger vehicles) to protect the most vulnerable (such as pedestrians and cyclists). But many road users still aren’t fully aware of what changed.
At the Road Safety GB National Road Safety 2024 Conference in Birmingham, Elizabeth Johnson, Network Safety Officer at Buckinghamshire Highways, approached the TSO stand. She was already familiar with the Safe Driving for Life website and the free official resources available on it. Together, we explored how we could collaborate to create something new and useful for local road users.
What followed was a partnership between Buckinghamshire Council, DVSA and TSO to create an interactive Highway Code quiz for the Safe Driving for Life website. Designed to support the council’s summer campaign, the quiz highlights key changes from the 2022 Highway Code refresh and helps users test their knowledge in a simple and engaging way.
Cllr Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“We were pleased to collaborate with TSO and the DVSA to develop this engaging and interactive quiz, which helps raise awareness of the important changes made to the Highway Code in early 2022. These updates introduced the hierarchy of road users placing greater responsibility on those who can do the most harm to protect those who are most vulnerable. This quiz is a quick and effective way for all road users to check their understanding and help make our roads safer for everyone.”
In addition to building awareness, the quiz offers users a 20% discount on The Official Highway Code and other DVSA products, making it easier for learners and seasoned drivers alike to stay up to date. There's also an optional survey to explore attitudes towards digital Highway Code learning.
The result is a resource that is not only timely and accessible but also rooted in collaboration and user-centred design – key principles in the way TSO delivers publishing and content services for the public sector.
Take the quiz here: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/campaign/respect-the-code/
