One of the UK’s most important, and often ignored, road safety resources has been given a surprising new format, as the Highway Code is released as a bedtime audiobook designed to be listened to while falling asleep.

Launched by Scrap Car Comparison, The Highway Code: Bedtime Story is narrated by journalist and presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson and takes a deliberately slow, soothing approach to reading out the rules of the road, says Driving.org.

The idea stems from research showing that many drivers rarely revisit the Highway Code once they have passed their test. A 2024 study found that more than half of motorists have not opened it since qualifying, despite regular updates and changes to guidance. At the same time, nearly six in ten drivers report struggling to get consistently good sleep, with audio already a popular way to wind down at night.

Rather than trying to make the Highway Code exciting, the audiobook accepts that it is already yawn-inducing, and uses that to its advantage. Listeners are guided through familiar but vital topics such as road markings, junction priorities and pedestrian crossings, delivered in a calm, bedtime-friendly tone.

The project also draws on commentary from sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee, who explains that the brain continues to process information during sleep, helping reinforce memory. While no one is suggesting this replaces proper learning, it may help reinforce awareness of key rules through repeated exposure.

For trainers, it highlights a wider issue, that many qualified drivers go years without refreshing their knowledge of the Highway Code. Alternative formats like this may not be traditional training tools, but they underline the challenge of keeping road safety information front of mind long after the test has been passed.

The audiobook is free to stream on platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and YouTube, and is being positioned as the first version of the Highway Code you are genuinely meant to fall asleep to.

(Picture: Scrap Car Comparison)