United Kingdom is bringing major changes to its Highway Code to cover the motorists who use self-driving cars.

Under the proposed changes, the motorists of these cars can now binge on movies, play games and even scroll through websites if the drivers keep in a single lane and below 37 mph (59.5 kph).

Moreover, the drivers won’t be even liable for any accidents that take place when the car is self-driving.

The proposal by the Department for&nbsp;Transport&nbsp;(DfT) states that the insurance firms would be liable for accidents when it is in self-driving mode.

However, the drivers must be ready to resume control of their cars in a timely fashion– such as when they approach motorway exits.

It will remain illegal to use a phone behind the wheel.

The government has described these as interim measures to support the early rollout of self-driving vehicles in UK which could take place this year.

Trudy Harrison, a transport minister, said these changes were proposed following a public consultation and would be a “major milestone in our safe introduction of self-driving vehicles”, which would “revolutionise the way we travel”, The Guardian reported.

&nbsp;“This exciting technology is developing at pace right here in Great Britain and we’re ensuring we have strong foundations in place for drivers when it takes to our roads,” she was quoted as saying.

“In doing so, we can help improve travel for all while boosting economic growth across the nation and securing Britain’s place as a global science superpower,” she added.

According to the Daily Mail, these updates will be made to the Highway Code to legalise driverless technology before full regulations are introduced in 2025.

Even though UK has expressed optimism over the safety of self-driving cars, the United States, where the use of technology is advanced, has witnessed various mishaps.

In 2018, a 19-year-old pedestrian was killed by a self-driving Uber car in Arizona.

Investigators said the car’s safety driver, Rafaela Vasquez, had been streaming an episode of The Voice. She is awaiting a homicide trial.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: How safe are self-driving cars?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-safe-are-self-driving-cars-378886/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

United Kingdom is bringing major changes to its Highway Code to cover the motorists who use self-driving cars. Under the proposed changes, the motorists of these cars can now binge on movies, play games and even scroll through websites if the drivers keep in a single lane and below 37 mph (59.

United Kingdom is bringing major changes to its Highway Code to cover the motorists who use self-driving cars. Under the proposed changes, the motorists of these cars can now binge on movies, play games and even scroll through websites if the drivers keep in a single lane and below 37 mph (59.5 kph). Moreover, the drivers won’t be even liable for any accidents that take place when the car is self-driving. The proposal by the Department for Transport (DfT) states that the insurance firms would be liable for accidents when it is in self-driving mode. However, the drivers must be ready to resume control of their cars in a timely fashion– such as when they approach motorway exits. It will remain illegal to use a phone behind the wheel. The government has described these as interim measures to support the early rollout of self-driving vehicles in UK which could take place this year. Trudy Harrison, a transport minister, said these changes were proposed following a public consultation and would be a “major milestone in our safe introduction of self-driving vehicles”, which would “revolutionise the way we travel”, The Guardian reported. “This exciting technology is developing at pace right here in Great Britain and we’re ensuring we have strong foundations in place for drivers when it takes to our roads,” she was quoted as saying. “In doing so, we can help improve travel for all while boosting economic growth across the nation and securing Britain’s place as a global science superpower,” she added. According to the Daily Mail, these updates will be made to the Highway Code to legalise driverless technology before full regulations are introduced in 2025. Even though UK has expressed optimism over the safety of self-driving cars, the United States, where the use of technology is advanced, has witnessed various mishaps. In 2018, a 19-year-old pedestrian was killed by a self-driving Uber car in Arizona. Investigators said the car’s safety driver, Rafaela Vasquez, had been streaming an episode of The Voice. She is awaiting a homicide trial. Watch | Gravitas: How safe are self-driving cars? (With inputs from agencies)

Self-driving cars: Drivers can watch TV, won’t be liable for crashes, says UK draft policy

New Highway Code in the United Kingdom gives priority to cyclists and pedestrians over motorists at junctions, which has been deemed "confusion" in several local media reports.&nbsp;

In the UK, the Highway Code is essential reading for those who are suing the road in one way or another, including pedestrians, mobility scooter users, cyclists, horse riders, drivers and motorcyclists.&nbsp;

A summary of the proposed changes, which are coming into force on January 29, was published on December 1. The report mentioned that the Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.&nbsp;

New code introduces a "hierarchy of road users" which ensures that those road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others.&nbsp;

The code further states that clarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements and that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road.&nbsp;

Also, establishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists or horse riders. The code is also meant to ensure that they have priority at junctions when travelling straight ahead.&nbsp;

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "The proposed upcoming changes to The Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders."

It is important to note that the new rules are subject to getting parliamentary approval and in case if MPs don't vote to oppose, it will come into place automatically.&nbsp;

Apart from increasing cars' responsibility around cyclists and pedestrians, the Code also mentions some mention-worthy changes. Also, as per the changed rule, there's a ban on flashing your lights.

The riders will be told to give way to pedestrians on shared-use cycle tracks, cars indicating a left or right turn will have to give way to cyclists coming from behind or moving straight on.&nbsp;

"The aim of The Highway Code is to promote safety on the road, whilst also supporting a healthy, sustainable and efficient transport system," part of the report read.&nbsp;

British media quoted AA president Edmund King, who highlighted how the changes can be problematic. He said: "With such fundamental changes to the Highway Code taking place to make our roads safer, we need to ensure road users understand the new rules ahead of time."

"Getting the message out now would help avoid dangerous situations and remove any confusion on the roads before the new rules are adopted," he added.&nbsp;

New Highway Code in the United Kingdom gives priority to cyclists and pedestrians over motorists at junctions, which has been deemed "confusion" in several local media reports.

New Highway Code in the United Kingdom gives priority to cyclists and pedestrians over motorists at junctions, which has been deemed "confusion" in several local media reports. In the UK, the Highway Code is essential reading for those who are suing the road in one way or another, including pedestrians, mobility scooter users, cyclists, horse riders, drivers and motorcyclists. A summary of the proposed changes, which are coming into force on January 29, was published on December 1. The report mentioned that the Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders. New code introduces a "hierarchy of road users" which ensures that those road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others. The code further states that clarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements and that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road. Also, establishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists or horse riders. The code is also meant to ensure that they have priority at junctions when travelling straight ahead. A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "The proposed upcoming changes to The Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders." It is important to note that the new rules are subject to getting parliamentary approval and in case if MPs don't vote to oppose, it will come into place automatically. Apart from increasing cars' responsibility around cyclists and pedestrians, the Code also mentions some mention-worthy changes. Also, as per the changed rule, there's a ban on flashing your lights. The riders will be told to give way to pedestrians on shared-use cycle tracks, cars indicating a left or right turn will have to give way to cyclists coming from behind or moving straight on. "The aim of The Highway Code is to promote safety on the road, whilst also supporting a healthy, sustainable and efficient transport system," part of the report read. British media quoted AA president Edmund King, who highlighted how the changes can be problematic. He said: "With such fundamental changes to the Highway Code taking place to make our roads safer, we need to ensure road users understand the new rules ahead of time." "Getting the message out now would help avoid dangerous situations and remove any confusion on the roads before the new rules are adopted," he added.

UK's new Highway Code rule change gives priority to cyclists and pedestrians over drivers

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Self-driving cars: Drivers can watch TV, won’t be liable for crashes, says UK draft policy

UK's new Highway Code rule change gives priority to cyclists and pedestrians over drivers