Death by careless driving added to road offences

I know the UK Highway Code doesn't apply here, but as we drive on the left like the English surely if it were to be applied our roads would be much safer.  I saw a post in the last few days when somebody suggested this and mentioned that you should be indicating your intention as you approach the roundabout.  Somebody was quick to point out the poster was referring to the UK Highway Code and then stated that there was no such requirement within the Highway Code for people to indicate their intention before entering a roundabout, and that they should only indicate when they are exiting.  The latter person knew nothing about what they were talking about and would fail their UK driving test if asked to answer this question.  For the avoidance of doubt, the UK Highway Code procedure for roundabouts (which really should be applied here to make roads safer) is as follows:

Rule 184

On approaching a roundabout

take notice and act on all the information available to you, including traffic signs, traffic lights and lane markings which direct you into the correct lane. You should

• use Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre at all stages
• decide as early as possible which exit you need to take
• give an appropriate signal (see Rule 186). Time your signals so as not to confuse other road users
• get into the correct lane
• adjust your speed and position to fit in with traffic conditions
• be aware of the speed and position of all the road users around you.

Rule 185

When reaching the roundabout you should

• give priority to traffic approaching from your right unless directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights
• check whether road markings allow you to enter the roundabout without giving way. If so, proceed, but still look to the right before joining
• watch out for all other road users already on the roundabout; be aware they may not be signalling correctly or at all (Its as though this bit was written for Cayman!)
• look forward before moving off to make sure traffic in front has moved off.

 Rule 186

Signals and position.

When taking the first exit to the left, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise

• signal left and approach in the left hand lane
• keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave.

When taking an exit to the right or going full circle, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise

• signal right and approach in the right-hand lane
• keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to exit the roundabout
• signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.

When taking any intermediate exit, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise

• select the appropriate lane on approach to the roundabout
• you should not normally need to signal on approach
• stay in this lane until you need to alter course to exit the roundabout
• signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.

When there are more than three lanes at the entrance to a roundabout, use the most appropriate lane on approach and through it.

There's even simple diagrams to show you what they mean. 

Source: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/information-and-services/motoring/the-highway-code/89-307-rules-for-drivers-and-motorcyclists/highway-code-rules-159-203/184-190-roundabouts.htm

For more specific advice on procedures at roundabouts, see Appendix on pages 135-139: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/information-and-services/motoring/the-highway-code/annexes-to-the-highway-code/appendix-to-the-highway-code.htm

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This is exactly the same fudge job they recently did with the UK traffic laws.

Why not just introduce a crime of vehicular manslaughter or vehicular homicide?

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Let's hope that driving without lights on at night and in the rain are offences as well!  It amazes me how many drivers forget to turn on their lights at dusk, dawn, night, and rain.  Maybe a mandatory safe driving course would help for those offenders...but then again, they'd have to be pulled over first...

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