Vulnerable Road Users

What is a vulnerable road user?

• AAnyone over 70 years old
• BPedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and young children who have less protection in accidents✓
• COnly children
• DAny driver in a small car, because a small car offers far less protection than a large one in a collision

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?

• ADrive slowly past and wave
• BAssume they can see you coming and will wait at the kerb
• CStop to let them cross safely✓
• DSound your horn twice

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 with no coloured bands
• BBlue with white bands at the tip
• CRed and white striped✓
• DPlain red with a yellow tip

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?

• ASound your horn to hurry them
• BIgnore them—they should wait for a gap
• CReduce speed early and be prepared to stop to give them time to cross✓
• DSpeed up to clear the crossing quickly

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 on the left suddenly
• BSound your horn before passing
• CPass as close as you can so that you spend the least possible time alongside them
• DGive them at least 1.5 metres clearance and check for hazards on their behalf✓

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?

• ATheir parent will be watching and will hold them back
• BThey may run into the road without looking✓
• CThey will wait for the green man before stepping off the kerb
• DThey are safe on the pavement

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?

• ASlow down, pass wide and slowly—horses can be startled easily✓
• BSound your horn as you approach so the rider knows you are there, then pass quickly
• 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?

• AHonk your horn
• BDo not brake suddenly yourself to avoid a collision✓
• CFlash your lights to warn them
• DMaintain your speed

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?

• AA high hazard—they may be invisible and unpredictable✓
• BA hazard only for cyclists sharing the same stretch of road
• CA minor risk, since running shoes have reflective panels fitted as standard
• DA trivial concern

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?

• ASlow down—passengers may step into the road✓
• BOvertake immediately before the bus has come to a stop
• CMaintain your speed and pass it on the offside without slowing
• DSound your horn to warn any waiting passengers that you are coming

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 can see you easily
• CThey move slowly and unpredictably, and you must pass with care and space✓
• DYou have priority

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 along behind the line until it reaches the far kerb
• BStop and wait until they have completely crossed✓
• CSound your horn to encourage the group to cross more quickly
• DAssume the teacher in charge will hold the group back for you

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

What extra precautions should you take when driving near a school?

• AReduce speed, watch for children stepping out, and expect them to be unpredictable✓
• BSound your horn repeatedly to warn the children that you are about to pass the school gates
• CMaintain your normal speed, because the school crossing patrol will stop the traffic
• DThe usual care is enough

Answer: Near schools, reduce speed significantly, watch for children (especially from behind parked cars), and expect unpredictable behaviour. Children may run into the road suddenly without looking.

How should you drive when there are elderly pedestrians around?

• ASound your horn to alert them so that they hurry across the road in front of you
• BAccelerate past them
• CReduce speed and be prepared to stop; they may move slowly and unpredictably✓
• DTreat them as any other pedestrian

Answer: Elderly pedestrians may cross slowly, have poor hearing/vision, and be unpredictable. Reduce speed, give them plenty of time, and be prepared to stop. Never rush them or pressure them.

What should you do when passing a cyclist?

• APass at speed so that you spend as little time alongside them as possible
• BSlow down, leave at least 1.5 metres of space, and pass carefully✓
• CSound your horn to alert them before you begin to move out past them
• DPass as close as you can while still staying inside your own lane markings

Answer: Pass cyclists slowly and leave at least 1.5 metres, more at higher speeds. Allow for wind buffet and for the cyclist needing to avoid a pothole or drain.

What hazards are presented by motorcyclists?

• AThey are always predictable, because riders are trained to a much higher standard
• BNone at all, because a motorcycle can always stop far more quickly than a car can
• CThey can be difficult to see, unstable in bad weather, and may move suddenly✓
• DThey follow all road rules

Answer: Motorcyclists can be hard to see (especially in blind spots), may lean suddenly when turning, are unstable in wind or poor surfaces, and have less protection. Give them extra space and caution.

When driving alongside a horse and rider, what should you do?

• ASlow down, pass very slowly and wide to avoid startling the horse✓
• BSound your horn immediately so that the rider knows you are behind them
• CAccelerate past quickly
• DFlash your headlights

Answer: Horses are easily frightened by noise and speed. Slow down well in advance, pass very slowly (at walking pace or slower) with at least 2 metres clearance. Be ready to stop if the horse is anxious.

What is a Toucan crossing?

• AA crossing for private vehicles only
• BA crossing for cyclists and pedestrians to share✓
• CA crossing for buses only
• DA crossing at night only

Answer: A Toucan crossing (Two Can Cross) allows both cyclists and pedestrians to use the same crossing. Cyclists do not need to dismount. It has similar controls to a Pelican crossing but wider to accommodate cycles.

What is a Pegasus crossing?

• AA crossing reserved for buses and other public service vehicles
• BA crossing for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders✓
• CA crossing for pedestrians and cyclists only, with no facility for horses
• DA crossing for cars only

Answer: A Pegasus crossing (also called an Equestrian crossing) is designed for horse riders, cyclists, and pedestrians. It has wider controls to accommodate horses and larger vehicles.

What should you do if a blind person is waiting at the edge of a road?

• ASound your horn to let them know that you are approaching the crossing point
• BFlash your headlights
• CSlow down and be ready to stop; they may have difficulty detecting traffic✓
• DCarry on at your normal speed, since they will wait until the road is quite clear

Answer: People with visual impairments may not see or hear approaching traffic clearly. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop. Never assume they will move safely even if traffic lights are in their favour.

When should you give a disabled person with a white stick extra time to cross?

• AOnly in daylight
• BThey should be expected to cross quickly
• CAlways; they may move slowly and have difficulty seeing traffic✓
• DOnly in built-up areas

Answer: A white stick indicates a blind or partially sighted person. They may cross slowly and have difficulty judging traffic speed and distance. Always give them extra time and be prepared to stop.

What extra care should you take when driving past parked cars in residential areas?

• ADrive at your normal speed, because a line of parked cars keeps any children off the road
• BSound your horn continuously
• CReduce speed and be prepared for doors opening, children running out, or other hazards✓
• DNormal driving is sufficient

Answer: Parked cars in residential areas can hide hazards. Children may run out between them, doors may open suddenly, and visibility is reduced. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop.