1. What is the Green Cross Code?
The Green Cross Code is a checklist of six rules which children are taught from an early age. The rules are:
- Think – find the safest place to cross.
- Stop – stand on the pavement near the kerb.
- Look and listen – look all around for traffic, and listen.
- Wait until it’s safe to cross – if traffic is coming, let it pass.
- Look and listen again – when it’s safe, walk straight across the road.
- Arrive alive – keep looking and listening for traffic while you cross.
2. If I have to walk on the road, what side should I walk on?
If there are no footpaths or pavements and you have to walk on the road, it is recommended that you walk facing oncoming traffic. Walk as close to the side of the road as possible.
3. Where is a safe place to cross the road?
The safest place to cross a road is where there is a pedestrian crossing. Pedestrian crossings include:
- Zebra crossings
- Pelican crossings
- Puffin crossings
- Toucan crossings
- Pegasus crossings
- Traffic islands
4. Why should I wear fluorescent clothes during the day?
Wearing fluorescent clothing during the day makes it easy for drivers and other road users to see you.
5. Why should I wear reflective clothes at night?
Wearing reflective clothing at night makes it easy for drivers and other road users to see you, as a vehicle’s headlights will reflect off your clothing.
6. Where can I find out about cycle training?
You can ask your school if they are planning on providing any cycle training. Alternatively, you can call 08458 727373 and speak to North Yorkshire’s road safety team.
7. What side of the road should I cycle on?
You should cycle on the left side of the road with the flow of traffic.
8. How can I find out what different road signs mean?
To find out what different road signs mean, visit www.direct.gov.uk
9. Who is a green traveller?
A green traveller is someone who uses modes of transport that don’t waste energy or pollute the environment, such as walking or cycling.
10. What is the legal alcohol limit for drivers?
The legal alcohol limit for drivers in the UK is:
- 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, or
- 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, or
- 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine
11. How long does alcohol stay in your system?
It takes approximately one hour to rid one unit of alcohol from your system.
12. What happens if a driver kills someone whilst drink-driving?
If a driver kills someone while drink-driving they face 14 years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine, disqualification from driving for at least two years and a mandatory extended driving test.
13. What if a driver is caught drink-driving?
If a driver is caught drink-driving they face 6 months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000 and disqualification from driving for at least 12 months (three years if convicted twice in 10 years).
14. What if a driver is caught drug-driving?
If a driver is caught drug driving, whether they are on illegal, prescribed or over the counter drugs, they face up to 6 months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000 and a minimum one year driving ban.
15. Does drug driving legislation only apply to illegal drugs?
No, both illegal and legal drugs can affect judgement and impair ability to drive safely. A doctor or pharmacist can advise as to whether any prescribed or over-the-counter medication a driver is taking may affect their driving.
16. How can the police tell if a driver has taken drugs?
Police undergo special training to spot drug drivers and they can also conduct a FIT (Field Impairment Test) to judge whether a person is unfit to drive.
17. Can the police force a drug test on suspected drug drivers?
Yes, the police can force the FIT test on individuals they believe to be drug driving.
18. What are speed limits for?
Speed limits ensure that all road users are safe on the road. Speed limits are legal limits and, if exceeded, can have severe consequences.
- Motorways – 70 mph
- Dual carriageways – 70 mph
- Single carriageways – 60 mph
- Street-lit carriageways – 30 mph
19. What are the penalties for speeding?
If a driver is caught speeding they will face a minimum £60 fine and 3 penalty points. This can be increased to a £2,000 fine, six points and a discretionary ban for higher end speeding.
20. Is it legal to use a mobile phone whilst driving?
No. Using a mobile phone whilst driving is against the law and drivers should never do it.
21. What are the penalties of using a mobile phone while driving?
If caught using a mobile phone while driving, the driver will receive a fixed penalty of £60 and 3 penalty points on their licence. If the case goes to court the driver could get a fine of £1,000.
22. When did using a seat belt become law?
It became compulsory to use a seat belt in the front of vehicles in 1983, for children to use a seat belt in the back in 1989 and for adults to wear a seat belt in the back in 1991.
23. What is the penalty for not wearing a seat belt?
The penalty for not wearing a seat belt is £60 but if you are convicted in court the fine can be up to £500.
24. Do passengers in the back of a car have to wear a seat belt?
Yes, seat belts must be used in both the front and the back. Back seat passengers can be thrown forward onto the person in front of them which can kill or seriously injure them. Between eight and 15 front seat passengers in cars are killed each year by back seat passengers not using seat belts.
25. If I’m travelling as a passenger can I carry a baby on my lap?
No. You must never carry a baby or child on your lap. Babies and children must be in the correct restraint at all times, if they are not and the vehicle stops suddenly, or is involved in a crash, they will be in serious danger.
26. Can rear facing child restraints be used in front passenger seats if the car has an airbag?
No. Rear-facing child restraints must not be used in front passenger seats which have an active frontal airbag fitted. A child restrained in the front passenger seat will be at risk of being seriously or fatally injured if the airbag does inflate because they will be too close to the dashboard.
27. Why shouldn’t children wear adult seat belts?
Adult seat belts are designed for people with adult bone structure. By using child seats and booster seats children are in the right position to use the seat belt correctly.
28. Where can I find out about in-car safety for children?
To find out about in-car safety for children visit www.childcarseats.org.uk which provides information on the following:
- Carrying children safely
- Choosing the correct child seat and the various types available
- Using the child seat correctly
- The law regarding child seats
- Safety standards
- Local help and advice available.
29. Do passengers have to use seat belts in mini-buses, buses or coaches?
It is compulsory for adults and children to wear a seat belt in minibuses under 2.54 tonnes unladen weight. If available, children aged three years’ and above must use an appropriate child seat in these vehicles, but there is no obligation on anyone to provide them.
30. What if there are not enough seat belts for all passengers in a vehicle?
The law doesn’t currently prevent drivers from carrying more adult passengers than there are seat belts. However, children up to 135cms tall must use child restraints with few exceptions, which means they must use the seats in the vehicle that have seat belts to secure their restraints. This can limit carrying capacity.
31. Do taxi drivers have to use seat belts?
For security reasons, in case a passenger should attack them, licensed taxi drivers and private hire drivers have an exception while carrying paying passengers. Licensed taxi drivers are also exempt while answering a call for hire.
32. Do disabled people have to wear a seat belt?
Yes, although disabled drivers or passengers may need to use specially adapted belts. If you are disabled contact your local mobility centre for advice.
33. When riding my horse in a group, should I move into single file when cars are trying to pass?
Where possible, yes. However, if the road is too narrow for a car to pass one horse safely, there is no harm in riding side-by-side because the car wouldn’t be able to pass anyway. You should however give notice to car drivers to let them know that you have seen them and you are aware that they want to pass. As soon as it is safe for a car to pass, move into single file.