One in three drivers are unaware that major changes to road rules aimed at protecting cyclists and pedestrians are coming into force this week, a new survey suggests.
Some 33% of motorists polled for the AA said they did not know the Highway Code is being revamped, including 4% who have "no intention" of looking at the details.
More than 13,700 drivers were questioned between January 8 and 18 for the survey, which was shared with the PA news agency.
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The AA accused the Government of being "far too silent" on the changes, but the Department for Transport (DfT) insisted it will ensure "all road users are aware".
The Highway Code contains advice and rules for people on Britain's roads. It is due to be updated on January 29 pending parliamentary approval to introduce a risk-based hierarchy of road users.
AA head of roads policy Jack Cousens said: "With a week to go, too many drivers are unaware of the new rules of the road.
"While the Government formally announced these changes last summer, they have been far too silent in promoting them.
"Shockingly, one in 25 drivers say they have no intention of looking at the new rules.
"These changes affect everyone, so we encourage people to read the updated code now so we can make our roads safer."
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes described the amendments as "a significant departure from what's gone before".
He said it is "vitally important" that all road users "fully understand what's new".
He went on: "Any ignorance, or indeed confusion, about the updates to the Highway Code is likely to lead to avoidable collisions.
"A concerted and sustained effort must now be made to clearly communicate the changes as widely as possible."
A DfT spokesman said: "The proposed upcoming changes to the Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders and were announced to national press.
"The department has established a working group of key organisations to ensure that messages about the changes are as widespread as possible and our well-established Think! campaign will continue to ensure all road users are aware both when these changes come into effect and beyond."
The changes coming into place from Saturday, January 29
Drivers to leave 1.5m space when overtaking cyclists
Drivers should leave at least 1.5m when overtaking cyclists to help keep them safe.
Cyclists advised to ride in middle of road
Cyclists will be advised to ride in the middle of the road when approaching junctions and on quiet roads - currently, those on bikes typically ride on the left-hand side.
Drivers to give priority to cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders
Drivers will be told to give more priority to cyclists and pedestrians and everyone will have to give way to pedestrians that are waiting to cross a road they are turning into.
Pedestrians will have priority when on a zebra crossing, on a parallel crossing or at light controlled crossings when they have a green signal.
Cars indicating to turn left or right will also have to give way to cyclists coming from behind and going straight on, under the new rules.
Dutch Reach technique
There will also be a recommendation for car users to reduce the risk of opening a door into the path of a cyclist by using the hand on the opposite side to the door, as that will often lead to them looking over their shoulder. This is known as the Dutch Reach technique.
