Today is World Book Day, so we thought we would celebrate by taking a brief look back at The Highway Code, potentially one of the only books that can say it has saved thousands of lives by bringing safety to the forefront of driving!

The first edition was printed in 1931, and didn’t even mention mirrors! It did, however include advice to those using horse drawn vehicles!

The first time road signs were mentioned was the second edition, and there were only 10 road signs back then! This edition did include a warning about the effects of alcohol and tiredness when driving though!

The Highway Code wasn’t printed in colour until 1954, with the Green Cross Code being added in 1978!

Nowadays, the Highway codes has joined social networks, and even has its own app!

To find the full history of The Highway Code, please visit the full DVSA page here.