A & C Driving School

Main menu:

Vulnerable Road Users

What is a Vulnerable Road User?

A vulnerable road user is a road user that requires some consideration. Some examples of Vulnerable Road Users are;

Motorcyclists
Horse Riders
Cyclists
Pedestrians
Other Drivers

Never assume that other road users are using the road correctly and understand the rules of the road. A lot of people concentrate only on what they are doing but are not aware of what is going on around them.


Motorcyclists	How can I as a motorist help Motorcyclists?
Can be difficult to see, especially at junctions.	Think motorbike. Expect to see motorcyclists and give them time and room.
Are often moving quicker than you might think.	Always check your mirrors for motorcyclists. Be especially careful that your nearside is clear when turning left, and at roundabouts.
Can be affected by side wind, when being overtaken.	Give motorcyclists plenty of room when overtaking them.
Are often injured when cars pull out of junctions.	Take extra care when pulling out of junctions - always recheck for motorcyclists.

Cyclists	How can I as a motorist help Cyclists?
Can be difficult to see, especially at junctions.	Think bike. Expect to see cyclists and give them time and room.
Have a tendency to wobble, and are easily affected by side wind, when being overtaken.	Always check your mirrors for cyclists. Be especially careful that your nearside is clear when turning left and at roundabouts.
Are particularly vulnerable at roundabouts.	Give cyclists plenty of room when overtaking them.
Cannot move off very quickly.	Respect cycle lanes and Advance Stop Lines.
Ride away from the kerb to avoid drains and debris and to be more easily seen.	Never overtake a cyclist and then turn left shortly afterwards.

Horse Riders	How can I as a motorist help Horse Riders?
Sometimes ride in double file to protect novice riders or nervous horses.	Drive slowly past horses. Give them plenty of room and be prepared to stop.
Are often able to see and hear further ahead than a motorist and may signal to you.	Look out for horse riders signals, and be aware that they may not move to the centre of the road before turning right.
Are dealing with powerful animals which are easily frightened and can panic in traffic.	Keep engine noise as low as possible and avoid sounding the horn.
May be children.

Pedestrians	How can I as a motorist help Pedestrians?
Children often misjudge the speed and intentions of drivers.	Never wave a pedestrian across the road - there may be other traffic overtaking from behind you.
They are easily distracted, and may dash into the road without looking.	Remember, they may be hard to see especially children. Be ready for the unexpected.
Older people may have difficulties in seeing or hearing approaching traffic, and may have decreased mobility.	Give them time and room to cross, especially the Elderly or disabled. Your speed can literally make the Difference between life or death.
	Stop at zebra crossings if someone is waiting to cross.

Other Drivers	How can I as a motorist help Other Drivers?
Drivers should take extra care to avoid collisions with Vulnerable road users.	Watch your speed.
	Expect to encounter different road users.
	Be patient. Give others time and room.
	Be ready for others to make mistakes.
	Concentrate on your driving.
	Never drive and use a mobile phone. You can easily be distracted from concentrating on the road.
	Drive considerately.

Home Page | Track Your EDT Lessons | How To | Cancellation Policy | Site Map