1. Who Are Vulnerable Road Users?

Some road users are more vulnerable due to:

1. Inexperience or lack of judgment
2. Small size
3. Low speed
4. Unpredictable behavior

Unlike car drivers, vulnerable road users do not have the protection of a vehicle body.

2. Most Vulnerable Groups

1. Pedestrians (especially children and older people)
2. Cyclists
3. Motorcyclists
4. Horse Riders

Be courteous and patient, especially with children, older adults, and disabled individuals.

3. Pedestrians

1. Walk on pavements when available. If walking on the road (e.g., country roads), they should face oncoming traffic.
2. Groups of walkers may walk on the left side. At night, they should carry lights (white in front, red at the back).
3. Give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road you are turning into or out of.
4. Watch out for hidden pedestrians behind buses or between parked cars.

Pedestrian Crossings

1. Slow down and be ready to stop.
2. Never park on zigzag lines near pedestrian crossings.
3. Look for signs of someone about to cross (e.g., a bicycle wheel or feet visible between cars).

Children

1. Children are unpredictable and may step into the road without looking.
2. School zones:
   1. Watch for flashing amber lights near schools.
   2. Obey school crossing patrols (stop signs).
   3. Do not park on yellow zigzag lines outside schools.
3. Buses carrying schoolchildren may stop frequently—drive carefully.

Older and Disabled Pedestrians

1. Older people may misjudge speed or take longer to cross.
2. People with hearing difficulties may have a yellow or burgundy coat on their guide dog.
3. A pedestrian carrying a white stick with a red band is both deaf and blind.

4. Cyclists

1. Follow road rules but are more vulnerable.
2. Watch for cycle lanes and advanced stop lines at traffic lights.

Overtaking Cyclists

1. Leave at least 1.5 meters when overtaking at speeds up to 30 mph.
2. Give extra space when overtaking at higher speeds.
3. Cyclists may swerve to avoid potholes or be affected by wind.
4. If a cyclist looks over their shoulder, they may be about to turn.

Cyclists at Junctions & Roundabouts

1. Look carefully for cyclists when emerging from a junction.
2. At roundabouts, cyclists may stay in the left lane even when turning right—give them space.

4. Motorcyclists

1. Harder to see than cars and move fast, making them vulnerable.
2. When overtaking, leave plenty of room—motorcyclists may swerve due to road conditions or wind.
3. At junctions, check carefully—motorcyclists can be hidden by other vehicles or street objects.
4. In traffic queues, motorcyclists may:
   1. Filter between lanes
   2. Cut in front
   3. Pass close to your car

Motorcyclist Visibility & Safety

1. Often wear bright clothing and ride with dipped headlights for visibility.
2. If a motorcyclist is injured in a crash, do not remove their helmet unless necessary.
3. If involved in a collision, you must stop and provide assistance.

5. Animals on the Road

1. Horses and other animals can be unpredictable and easily frightened.
2. Drive slowly, stay well back, and be ready to stop.
3. Overtaking horses:
   1. Pass slowly and leave plenty of room.
   2. Avoid revving your engine or sounding your horn.
4. At roundabouts, horse riders may stay in the left lane, even when turning right.

6. Other Drivers

1. Inexperienced or older drivers may react slower—be patient.
2. Learner drivers may make mistakes (e.g., stalling at junctions).
3. Slow-moving vehicles (e.g., tractors) display flashing amber beacons.

Mobility Scooters

On dual carriageways, a mobility scooter must have a flashing amber light.