Fresh changes to the Highway Code could lead to further road traffic collisions if more isn't done to educate drivers, a road safety advocate has warned.

This comes amid a major shake-up of the Highway Code which is set to be implemented in the New Year. 

Revisions give overtaking - or undertaking - cyclists going straight on a right of way over drivers turning into junctions. 

A new hierarchy of road users has also been established, which implies automatic culpability for drivers in accidents with more vulnerable road users such as cyclists or pedestrians.

Further changes state drivers should stop and give way to pedestrians waiting to cross the road before turning into or out of junctions, while guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists or horse riders has also been established.

The changes, which will come into effect on January 29, are considered as 'advisory', but can be referenced in court to support prosecutions of dangerous drivers. 

However, road safety advocate Dave Harford warned without further education on the updated code, it could instead lead to further RTCs.

He said: "I can see why they've done it, but without raising considerably more awareness of the changes and exactly what those rules mean, I don't think it will do any good and I think it will cause more RTCs and rear end shunts.

"For example, rule 170 at the moment states you have to give way to a pedestrian who has already committed to crossing the road and has left the pavement - any driver in their right mind would do that. 

"Under new rules you now have to give way to a pedestrian who is on the kerb and waiting to cross, and I think it is these subtle but very important differences people need to understand.

"For me, I don't particularly agree with the changes, and I also think the update on giving way for cyclists going straight ahead when turning from a major road has the potential to cause problems as well.

"What happens when you're giving way for a pedestrian when turning into a junction when a car is coming up the opposite way? They don't have to stop.

"You're left with a pedestrian stood halfway in the road and in unecessary danger."

Dan Brothwell, Chair of cycling group Bike Worcester, welcomed the changes and insisted road users must now educate themselves of the Highway Code.

He said: "The revisions to the Highway code are welcome, and are overdue.

"The hierarchy of road users places greater responsibility on those who pose greater risk, which is sensible.

"Other rule changes around walking and cycling either clarify or strengthen implied rules in previous versions of the Highway Code, with the intention of improving safety for people walking or cycling; hopefully this helps to encourage an increase in active travel rates.

"The biggest challenge appears to be educating all road users of the Highway Code, including existing and new rules.

"It is essential we start seeing local leadership from the City and County Councils to deliver on the aims of the LTP4 transport policy; notably modal shift from private motor vehicles to active travel.

"More active travel benefits everyone living, working and visiting Worcester. All this said as a car driving bike riding pedestrian."

The full changes as proposed

Rule H1: New Hierarchy of Road Users (left) Drivers of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger to others. This principle applies most strongly to drivers of HGVs, LGVs, cars/taxis and motorcycles. Cyclists and horse riders likewise have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians.

Rule H2: New priority for pedestrians at junctions At a junction, drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders and cyclists should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning. You should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing (currently you only have to give way if they’re already on the crossing), and to pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing.

Rule H3: New priority for cyclists when cars are turning You should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles going ahead when you are turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane. This applies whether they are using a cycle lane, a cycle track, or riding ahead on the road and you should give way to them. Do not turn at a junction if to do so would cause the cyclist, horse rider or horse drawn vehicle going straight ahead to stop or swerve. You should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if necessary.