Keep your mind on the road

People don’t always cross roads at a safe place. And other factors can make them step off the pavement unexpectedly – particularly in built up areas. Here are a few things to bear in mind.

• You’re seven times more likely to kill someone if you hit them at 30mph, rather than 20mph.
• At junctions, people can easily walk in front of a vehicle as it waits for a gap in the traffic.
• Children are easily distracted and can run out into the road at any time.
• Be more aware of children near schools and play parks.
• Always follow signals from School Crossing Patrollers.
• Make sure you stop at pedestrian crossings.
• Remember, poor weather can make it harder for pedestrians to see properly.
• Never wave for someone to cross, as another vehicle could come past.

People are cycling on our roads more and more. Cyclists are vulnerable road users in a number of different ways. They can:

• Often be hard to see.
• Sometimes ride further out from the kerb to avoid drains and potholes.
• Be blown off course by gusts of wind.
• Need plenty of room – at least 1.5 metres.
• Be slower pulling away at junctions.

Cyclists at roundabouts

Even though they’re going all the way around to the right, some cyclists stay in the left hand lane to feel safer. Watch out for shoulder checks and hand signals showing where they plan to go.

Motorcyclists are also vulnerable road users and can end up with serious injury or worse in the event of a collision. Here are some factors worth thinking about. Motorcyclists can:

• Be hard to spot – so always look out for them when leaving a junction.
• Be travelling quicker than you think.
• Move around behind you as they avoid potholes and drain covers.
• Easily be affected by sidewinds and fuel spillages.

If you come across animals on the road, it’s good to remember that they can become agitated. You should always be guided by any signals given to you by the horse rider or farm worker. Some other advice to keep in mind.

• Horse riders may be single or in groups.
• It’s up to you, as a driver, to slow down or stop if need be.
• Give plenty of room when passing horses.
• Pass slowly and be ready to stop.
• In rural areas, watch out for farm workers standing in the road guiding animals.

They can be especially vulnerable on our roads. There are a few things worth remembering, which can help make everyone as safe as possible.

Elderly people

• Poorer mobility can make it harder to cross the road.
• Potentially difficult to spot, especially if wearing dark clothing.
• Poor weather can restrict mobility and visibility.

Disabled people

• Mobility scooters travel slowly on the road.
• Blind people usually have a guide dog, or use a white stick.
• Blind or partially sighted people can move more slowly.
• A white stick with red reflective bands means someone’s deaf and blind.

Advice for blind or partially sighted people.

• There are different types of mobility scooters.
• All mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs can legally travel at a maximum of 4mph on footpaths or in pedestrian areas.
• But they can’t be used on a path marked cycle only.

Find out more on the rules of using mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.

A lack of experience can cause people to make poor decisions. This often puts them in a situation where they’re more vulnerable. Here are a few things to note. Newly qualified drivers:

• Can drive too fast for their skill level.
• Think their vehicle control is better than it is.
• Can be easily swayed by friends.
• Don’t have as good anticipation or awareness.
• Might suddenly change direction.
• Can often be slower moving off.