Vulnerable Road Users Flashcards
Pedestrians
On country roads, pedestrians are advised to walk facing the traffic
Drive slowly and allow extra room when passing them
This sign means there may be pedestrians walking in the road
Blind and deaf pedestrians
Be particularly careful as they won’t be able to see or hear you coming
They may have a white stick with a red reflective band or a guide dog
Guide dogs usually wear a yellow or burgundy coat
Elderly pedestrians
They have slower reactions and may also have reduced sight and hearing
Children
Are unpredictable and could end up running out into the road without looking
You should be especially aware of them when reversing
They’re probably most in danger of not being seen, as they’re small
If you’re not sure it’s safe to reverse you should always get out and check
School buses
You need to be careful of children walking out if the bus has stopped
School crossings
Do not park on the keep clear road markings as it will block the view of drivers approaching the crossing, and the view for the children trying to cross
Types of crossings
Puffin
Zebra
Pelican
Pegasus
Toucan
Pedestrians at night
If you see a group of people in reflective clothing with a bright red light, it’s likely that they are on an organised walk so you should reduce your speed
Cyclists
Cyclists may often take a different route at roundabouts, so that they are less vulnerable - This also applies to horses and their riders
If you intend to turn left and have a cyclist in front of you, always wait for the cyclist to pass the junction and don’t attempt to overtake
If you’re going to overtake a cyclist or motorcyclists, when you’re not about to turn left, remember to leave lots of space, as they could be affected by wind, or swerve to avoid pot holes and drain covers.
With-flow and contra-flow lanes
With-flow means that you are travelling WITH the flow of traffic
Contra-flow means that you are travelling AGAINST the flow of traffic
Motorcyclists
Are small and hard to see
They could be hidden in your blind spot
May have dipped headlights on during the day to help make them move visible
Bright clothing may be worn to make them more visible - especially at night and in bad weather
Stay behind them if you intend to turn left soon
Give extra space when overtaking, especially on uneven roads
If you’re not sure of their intentions stay behind
Junctions
Be way of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists
If pedestrians are crossing, then you must give way and allow them to cross
If you arrive at a junction with a restricted view, move forward slowly and carefully - creep and peep
Learner, inexperienced and elderly drivers
Be patient as they may react more slowly
Expect mistakes
Don’t get angry or annoyed
Pass Plus
Improves your basic skills
Includes things such as motorway driving too, which you’re unable to do as a learner
Passing parked vehicles
Look out for pedestrians emerging from between the cars, doors opening, cars pulling out, cyclists, children and bike wheels sticking out between the cars
Queuing traffic
Be wary of motorcycles and bicycles, that might be filtering through the traffic
Dazzled
Set the mirror to anti-dazzle and if need be, slow down and stop
Click the bottom of the mirror to engage
If you see amber flashing lights, on a dual carriageway, this could mean there is a slow moving vehicle ahead
