Vulnerable Road Users

Vulnerable road users are defined as those in greater danger than other users, for a variety of reasons. They can include children, disabled people, cyclists and motorcyclists, livestock, pedestrians, elderly persons and learner and newly qualified drivers.

You should understand the different vulnerabilities of these users, as they are generally not protected by crumple zones, air bags or safety cells, and therefore, at greater risk of injury.

Inexperienced Drivers

• Be patient with learner and newly qualified drivers who lack experience
• Be prepared for them to make mistakes and react more slowly

Motorcyclists

• Difficult to see, particularly at junctions, especially if they are wearing dark clothing
• Before turning right, check for motorcyclists that may be about to overtake you
• Be aware of motorcyclists filtering through slow traffic and changing lanes suddenly
• Motorcyclists may swerve unexpectedly if it is windy or the road is uneven
• If unsure of what the motorcyclist ahead is doing, stay well back

Cyclists

• Be extra careful at junctions when a cyclist ahead is turning
• Always give extra room when overtaking and never overtake a cyclist just before turning left
• A light controlled toucan crossing is shared by cyclists and pedestrians who will cross at the same time

General Advice

• Set your mirrors to anti-dazzle if you are dazzled by lights
• If turning right, always check for traffic overtaking
• When reversing, look out for children and give way to pedestrians who want to cross behind you

Pedestrians

• If a pedestrian is wearing reflective clothing and a bright red light at night, they could be part of an organised walk
• If turning left into a side road and pedestrians are crossing, give way to them
• Pedestrians may be on your side of the road in countryside areas
• Prepare to slow down and stop if pedestrians are at a crossing, and give way if amber lights are flashing at a pelican crossing

Children

• If a ball bounces out from between parked cars, be prepared to stop or slow down as children may be playing
• Obey the stop sign at a school crossing patrol
• If a school warning sign displays an amber flashing light, reduce speed until away from the area

Horse Riders and Livestock

• If horse riders are ahead, slow down, be ready to stop and pass slowly if overtaking
• Stay well back if a rider is turning
• Horse riders always keep to the left and can turn in any direction from the left hand lane
• If there are livestock on the road, allow plenty of room, go slowly and be prepared to stop

Disabled and Elderly

• Be patient as their reaction times may be slower, and they may take more time crossing the road
• A flashing amber light on a small powered vehicle may indicate the presence of a disabled person
• A white stick, guide dog or hearing dog will indicate if a person is partially sighted or deaf
• Look out for wheelchairs, particularly at zebra crossings

Vulnerable Road Users Test Tips

In this section, any questions that relate to vulnerable road users generally have an answer that is along the lines of “slow down and be prepared to stop”, which will be the correct option.

Cyclists and motorcyclists share the same vulnerabilities, and the same answer is usually correct for both.