Vulnerable Road Users Flashcards
Who are the most vulnerable road users?
Pedestrians, Cyclists, Motorcyclists and horse riders
What should you do when you see a vulnerable road user?
Be aware of their presence and treat them with respect
Who should you show consideration to?
Children, Older people and the disabled
Who are the most vulnerable drivers?
Learners, the Inexperienced and older drivers
Where are pedestrians normally?
The pavement or the footpath
When should you take extra care with pedestrians?
If they have to walk on the road, because of street repairs or on country roads where there’s no pavement
Where are pedestrians advised to walk on country lanes?
The right side, so they’re facing on-coming traffic
How can you be aware of people walking on roads?
Signs may tell you
What other types of people would walk on the road?
Large groups of people
What should large groups of people do if they need to walk on the road?
At night, delegated people at the front (white) and rear (red) should carry bright lights to warn vehicles
What should you do if a pedestrian is already crossing a side road when you’re turning in?
Wait for them to cross, they have priority
What should you do when approaching a pedestrian crossing?
Be ready to slow down and stop
What should you do if you approach a zebra crossing?
Slow down and prepare to stop if someone is waiting to cross
What should you do if you approach a pelican crossing?
They’re light controlled.
During the flashing amber, give way to the pedestrians on the crossing, but if they then change to green whilst someone’s crossing, be patient and wait til they finish crossing
What is special about puffin crossings?
They have sensors to detect when people are on the crossing - they don’t change from red til the crossing is clear
What’s special about toucan crossings?
Cyclists can cross at the same time as pedestrians.
There’s no flashing amber phase
Why are children vulnerable road users?
They’re unpredictable and less likely to look before stepping into the road
What should you do when driving around schools?
Drive carefully & reduce your speed until you’re clear of the area
Be prepared for a school crossing patrol to stop traffic with stop signer
How do you know if you’re driving near a school zone?
Flashing amber lights under a school warning signs
What should you consider when in a school zone?
Don’t wait or park on yellow zigzag lines outside - clear view of the crossing area is needed by driver on the road and pedestrians on the pavement
What’s different about school buses and coaches?
The have a special sign in the back.
They may stop infrequently and not just at normal bus stops
What should you understand about old people on the road?
Be careful as they may have misjudged your speed.
Let them cross in their own speed.
How should you treat disabled people on the road?
As you would able-bodies people, but with more patience as they may need extra time
How may you identify a pedestrian with hearing difficulties?
May have a dog with a distinctive yellow or burgundy coloured coat
How can you identify a pedestrian who is blind and deaf?
Carry a white stick with a red band/ dog with a red-and-white checked harness
What should you do if you’re with a pedestrian blind and deaf?
Take extra care as they may not be aware of vehicles approaching
How do cyclists differ from drivers?
They’re more vulnerable and slower
Some signs may indicate special cycle/shared cycle and pedestrian routes
What are advanced stop lines?
Spaces that allow cyclists to position themselves in front of other traffic - if lights are red, stop at the first white line
What should you do if trying to overtake a cyclist?
Give them as much space as a car
Why should you give a cyclist so much space?
They may need to swerve to avoid a drain/uneven road surface or may be affected by the wind
When else should you give cyclists plenty of room, other than overtaking?
If they’re going slowly, or glancing over their shoulder to check for traffic - they may be going right
When should you never overtake a cyclist or moped?
Before you turn left. Hold back and wait until they’ve passed the junction before you turn
What should you do as you’re emerging from the junction?
Look carefully for cyclists (not as easy to see as larger vehicles) + cyclists emerging from junctions
Where should you be aware of cyclists?
At roundabouts
Why should you be aware of cyclists around roundabouts?
They’re slower and more vulnerable. May decide to stay in the left-hand lane no matter the direction they’re going
What should you do if you see a cyclist around a roundabout?
Hold back and give them plenty of room
What aspects of cyclists should also apply to motorcyclists?
Leave extra room whilst following and overtaking
Look for indications they’re turning right
Look carefully for them at junctions
What should you be aware of when considering motorcyclists in traffic?
They may: filter between lanes, cut in front of you & pass very close to you
What should you do if you encounter a slow-moving motorcyclist?
If you’re unsure where they’re going, stay behind them in case they need to change directions suddenly
How do motorcyclists improve their visibility?
Wear bright clothing & ride with dipped headlights (even in the day)
What safety equipment do motorcyclists wear?
Helmet
What should you do if you see a motorcyclist who’s encountered an accident?
Seek medical assistance. Don’t remove their helmet unless it’s essential
What should you do if you encounter animals on the road?
Drive carefully, go slowly and be prepared to stop
What should you do when it’s safe to overtake animals on the road?
Drive slowly & leave plenty of room
What should you do if there’s animals on the road and you’re approaching a roundabout?
Take particular care. Horse riders may keep to the left even if they’re signalling right - stay well back.
What types of drivers’ reactions may be slower than yours?
Learner drivers
Older/Inexperienced drivers
What may learner drivers do?
Make mistakes, such as stalling at junctions - be patient
Who is more likely to be in a road traffic accident?
17-25 yr olds
How can newly-qualified drivers limit their risk of accidents?
By taking on additional training (especially on the motorway)
Reversing seems to be a dangerous manoeuvre. How can I be sure it’s safe?
Always check the area behind the care carefully, especially for children.
What should you do if you’re not sure when reversing?
Get out and check
What should I do if pedestrians are crossing behind me, and I’m reversing?
Give way to pedestrians crossing behind you
What should I do if parked cars restrict my view when emerging from a junction?
Stop, then creep forward slowly until you have a clear view
How can I tell if someone is going to cross the road between parked cars?
You can’t but look out for tell-tale signs e.g. ball bouncing out or bicycle sticking out
Slow down and be prepared to stop
Who is the most vulnerable at road junctions?
Those who can’t be seen easily, e.g. motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians
What does a flashing amber beacon on the top of a vehicle mean?
Slow-moving vehicle.
How do the vehicles of the disabled differ on a dual carriageway?
A powered vehicle operated by a disabled person MUST have a flashing amber light when travelling on a dual carriageway
Why do I need to be careful if a bus has stopped on the other side of the road?
Pedestrians may come from behind the bus and cross the road or dash to your left
If I have a collision, what is the first thing I should do?
Stop. By law, you MUST stop at the scene if damage or injury is caused to another person, animal, vehicle or property.
What can I do if I’m being dazzled by the vehicle behind?
Set your anterior mirror to anti-dazzle, if able. Slow down and stop if you can’t see.
