Mastering Rule 160 : Essential Guide to Road Positioning and Vehicle Control

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Highway Code Rule 160

📖 Rule 160 Full Regulations & Explanation

Rule 160 ↗
Once moving you should

keep to the left, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise. The exceptions are when you want to overtake, turn right or pass parked vehicles or pedestrians in the road
keep well to the left on right-hand bends. This will improve your view of the road and help avoid the risk of colliding with traffic approaching from the opposite direction
drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible. This will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times. You may use driver assistance systems while you are driving. Make sure you use any system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
be aware of other road users, especially cycles and motorcycles who may be filtering through the traffic. These are more difficult to see than larger vehicles and their riders are particularly vulnerable. Give them plenty of room, especially if you are driving a long vehicle or towing a trailer. You should give way to cyclists when you are changing direction or lane – do not cut across them.
select a lower gear before you reach a long downhill slope. This will help to control your speed
when towing, remember the extra length will affect overtaking and manoeuvring. The extra weight will also affect the braking and acceleration.

Text shown in the rule image

Mastering Rule 160 : Essential Guide to Road Positioning and Vehicle Control

POSITIONING AND LANE DISCIPLINE

Keep to the Left

Maintain a position on the left side of the road unless signs , markings , or specific maneuvers like overtaking or turning right require otherwise .

Exceptions to the Left - Side Rule

Passing parked vehicles

Avoiding pedestrians

Preparing for a right - hand turn

Navigating Right - Hand Bends

Reduced risk of collision with oncoming traffic

VEHICLE CONTROL AND TECHNOLOGY

Maintain Two - Handed Control: Keep both hands on the wheel or handlebars whenever possible to ensure you remain in full control of the vehicle .

Using Driver Assistance Systems

You may use these systems while driving , but they must be operated strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions .

Manage Speed on Downhill Slopes: Select a lower gear before reaching a long downhill stretch to use engine braking and maintain better speed control .

AWARENESS OF VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

Watch for Filtering Traffic: Be alert for cyclists and motorcyclists who may be weaving through traffic , as they are smaller and harder to spot than cars .

Give Vulnerable Users Plenty of Room: Provide ample space to riders , especially if you are operating a long vehicle or towing a trailer .

CONSIDERATIONS FOR TOWING

Account for Extra Length

Remember that the increased length of a trailer significantly impacts your ability to overtake safely and perform maneuvers .

Do Not Cut Across Cyclists

You must give way to cyclists when changing lanes or direction ; never pull across their path .

Braking and Acceleration Changes. The additional weight of a towed load will slow down your acceleration and increase the distance required to come to a full stop .