Van Driver Toolkit – Other Road Users
Did you know?
- In 2019, there were 60 fatalities involving vans and vulnerable road users.
- 62% of cyclists killed or seriously injured were involved in collisions at, or near, a road junction.
- Post collision, drivers could face financial claims from a vulnerable road user covering their loss of wages, medical expenses and any recovery treatment.
Drivers should take extra care to avoid collisions with vulnerable road users, because a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist, or horse rider will always come off worse than them.Drivers should check blind spots frequently and whenever turning left or going round roundabouts to watch for other road users.
In collisions involving a bicycle and another vehicle, the most common key contributory factor recorded by the police is ‘failed to look properly’ by either the driver or rider, especially at junctions.Drivers should ensure their mirrors are accurately set to maximise their visibility.
Best Practice Tips
- Be patient and give others time and room.
- Watch your speed.
- Expect to encounter different road users i.e. horse riders in rural locations.
- Be ready for others to make mistakes.
- Do not get distracted by using a mobile phone while driving.
- Concentrate on your driving.
Drivers should always be mindful of other road users, especially those who are vulnerable due to a lack of protection. Vulnerable road users include:
Pedestrians – especially children, can walk into the road with little warning. Over 30 child pedestrians are killed or seriously injured each week. Drive with extra care in shopping and in residential areas.
Cyclists – can be difficult to see, particularly when emerging from a junction. Always take time to look for cyclists as they can easily be obscured in blind spot areas.
Motorcyclists and moped riders – are more difficult to spot at night where their light is obscured by other vehicles’ lights. Be extra cautious when moving out of a junction.
Disabled, elderly and inexperienced drivers – make allowances for older drivers and disabled drivers as their reactions may be slower, or they may simply need more time than other drivers.
Animals – do not scare animals by sounding the horn, revving the engine, or accelerating rapidly after passing them.
Provider: Driving for Better Business, National Highways
Resource Type: Web link
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