Vulnerable Road Users

What is a vulnerable road user?

• AAny driver in a small car
• BPedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and young children who have less protection in accidents✓
• CAnyone over 70 years old
• DOnly children

Answer: Vulnerable road users lack protective shells and are at greater risk of serious injury or death. They include pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, young children, and elderly people.

A blind pedestrian with a white cane is crossing the road. What should you do?

• ASound your horn to alert them
• BDrive slowly past and wave
• CStop to let them cross safely✓
• DAssume they can see you coming

Answer: A white cane indicates a visually impaired person who cannot see your car. You must stop and allow them to cross safely. Sounding your horn may confuse them.

What colour cane indicates a deaf-blind pedestrian?

• AWhite
• BRed and white striped✓
• CRed
• DBlue and white

Answer: A red and white cane indicates a deaf-blind person who cannot see or hear your vehicle. You must stop and allow them to cross, and a sighted guide may accompany them.

You see an elderly person attempting to cross at a zebra crossing. What should you do?

• ASpeed up to clear the crossing quickly
• BReduce speed early and be prepared to stop to give them time to cross✓
• CSound your horn to hurry them
• DIgnore them—they should wait for a gap

Answer: Elderly people often move slowly and need more time to cross safely. You must slow down and give them plenty of time without making them feel rushed or pressured.

What is the safest way to overtake a cyclist?

• APass as close as possible to save time
• BGive them at least 1.5 metres clearance and check for hazards on their behalf✓
• CSound your horn before passing
• DPass on the left suddenly

Answer: Cyclists need space to avoid potholes, drains, and other hazards. Passing too close startles them and risks a collision. 1.5 metres minimum clearance is the safe standard.

A young child is standing at the kerb. What hazard should you anticipate?

• ANothing—they're on the pavement
• BThey may run into the road without looking✓
• CTheir parent will protect them
• DThey will wait for the green light

Answer: Young children are unpredictable and may run into the road suddenly without looking for traffic. You should slow down and be prepared to stop when near children.

What should you do when you see a horse and rider on the road?

• ASound your horn and pass quickly
• BSlow down, pass wide and slowly—horses can be startled easily✓
• CAssume the rider sees you
• DAccelerate to get past quickly

Answer: Horses are prey animals that spook easily at sudden noises and movements. You must slow down, pass with plenty of space, and be quiet to avoid frightening the horse.

A motorcyclist is braking hard on a wet road. What should you do?

• AFlash your lights to warn them
• BDo not brake suddenly yourself to avoid a collision✓
• CMaintain your speed
• DHonk your horn

Answer: The motorcyclist is already braking hard (possibly sliding). Any sudden action from you could cause them to panic or collide with you. Maintain steady speed and be prepared to reduce speed smoothly.

What does a jogger or runner in dark clothes at night represent?

• ANo hazard
• BA high hazard—they may be invisible and unpredictable✓
• CThey should be sounding a horn
• DNothing unusual

Answer: A jogger in dark clothes is nearly invisible at night and may veer suddenly into traffic. You must slow down and be prepared to stop; they're a vulnerable road user at high risk.

You approach a bus that is pulling into a bus stop. What should you do?

• AMaintain speed and pass it
• BSlow down—passengers may step into the road✓
• CSound your horn to warn pedestrians
• DOvertake immediately

Answer: Buses stopping at bus stops disgorge passengers who may step into the road without looking. You must slow down and be ready to stop.

What should you be aware of when passing a person using a mobility scooter or walking frame?

• AThey should not be on the road
• BThey move slowly and unpredictably, and you must pass with care and space✓
• CYou have priority
• DThey can see you easily

Answer: Elderly or disabled people using mobility aids move slowly, may be unstable, and need space. You must pass carefully and not rush them.

A group of school children in a crocodile (line) is crossing the road. What should you do?

• ADrive slowly behind them
• BStop and wait until they have completely crossed✓
• CSound your horn to speed them up
• DAssume their teacher will control them

Answer: Children in a supervised crossing have priority and must cross safely. You must stop and wait patiently until all children have crossed completely.