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Road users

Cars and lorries on a motorway

This page contains information about different road users.

Young drivers

Passing your driving test is a pathway to freedom and independence, and along with this comes a great responsibility and duty of care to not only the driver but all road users.

Young drivers are statistically in a higher risk category of being involved in a road traffic collision, however, this risk can be reduced by increasing a young drivers knowledge and understanding of the common factors which result in many of these road traffic collisions.

Below are some top tips for things you, or a young driver you know can do to reduce the risk of collisions on the road and become a better and safer driver:

Distractions

Driving a car requires a high level of concentration and any distraction inside or outside of a vehicle can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences. By reducing the likelihood of distractions you will drastically reduce the likelihood of a collision.

  • Mobile phones – Switch them off, no call or text is more important than risking your own or someone else’s life!
  • Music – Everyone loves a great soundtrack to a car journey but plan ahead, set your playlist up before you set off!
  • Passengers – It’s great to be a chauffeur and a taxi for your friends and family but don’t be afraid to speak up and let them know your priority is getting them to their destination safely!
  • Eating/drinking – Driving a car is extreme multi-tasking, even something as simple as picking up a snack to have whilst behind the wheel can take your attention away from the road for a second, and a second is all it would take. Resist the temptation or pull up somewhere safely.
  • Speed – Don’t use the speed limit as a target, always drive to the conditions and resist giving in to peer pressure.
  • Car maintenance – Maintenance checks of your vehicle can contribute to safer driving for longer. Tyre pressure, tyre tread, brakes and other key components should be regularly checked to ensure the safety of your vehicle. Avoid making unnecessary alterations to a vehicle, not only is it likely to increase your insurance premiums but it could also have a detrimental impact on the safety and integrity of the vehicle.
  • Experience/further training – Learning doesn’t stop as soon as you pass your driving test, each day on the roads will bring with it new challenges and opportunities to learn and become a better, safer driver. There are many advanced driving courses available which will enhance your skill set and abilities behind the wheel.  
  • Driving under the influence – Driving whilst under the influence will significantly impair a drivers ability and could result in serious or even fatal consequences. Have a zero tolerance approach to driving under the influence.

Motorcyclists

Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating as well as a more affordable mode of transport for some, however, motorcyclists account for a disproportionate level of casualties when it comes to road traffic collisions. Below are a few top tips aimed at reducing the risk level of being a motorcycle rider:

  • Speed limits are not a target and you should always ride to the conditions you see ahead of you, avoid taking unnecessary overtaking manoeuvres particularly in adverse weather.
  • Carrying out regular checks of your motorcycle ensuring tyres and brakes are in good working order are essential for safer riding.
  • Gear up – Unlike cars, motorcycles are not equipped with air bags/seat belts and a host of other safety features designed to protect the user. A rider will rely solely on their clothing and head wear in the event of a collision to protect them. Suit and boot up to keep yourself as safe as possible. You may be the safest rider but that will not prevent you from coming off your bike in the event of a collision.
  • Heads up – check your helmet is in good condition, always make sure its fits securely and most importantly put it on for every single journey, a large portion of collisions occur close to where the casualty lives.
  • Additional training can help a rider prepare for a variety of situations and improve awareness of other road users.

Business drivers

According to the royal society for the prevention of accidents driving can be one of the most dangerous work activity and contributes to more work related accidental deaths and serious injury than any other work activity.  

People who drive for business often have a wealth of experience and knowledge, however this will not prevent collisions and injury occurring on the roads. Following some of our top tips below for safer longer driving for business:

  • Driving for business can involve extended periods of time behind the wheel, take regular breaks to reduce tiredness and fatigue.
  • Vehicle checks may be required more frequently depending on the amount of driving that is required for your role, ensure before all journeys that you check brakes, tyre condition and the overall safety of your vehicle.
  • Drivers can be put under pressure timeframes in certain roles which could result in erratic driving and speeding, no deadline is more important than a life, always drive safely and don’t let deadlines dictate your driving.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask your employer for additional training to brush up your skills.

Mature drivers

Driving a car at any age is pivotal for independence and freedom, particularly for mature drivers. As a mature driver your experience of driving is likely high and risk level likely low, however many factors can affect an older driver such as health condition, confidence and the ever changing environment of the road network. Here a few tips to help mature drivers drive safer for longer:

  • Understand how your health conditions and any medication may affect your driving ability, speak to medical professionals to ensure you are safe to drive and make sure you contact the DVLA to report health conditions.
  • Have regular eye tests to ensure your vision is sufficient for driving safely.
  • Confidence – if you’ve lost your confidence with driving due to the changes of the road network, other drivers or the levels of traffic on the roads, seek additional training to refamiliarize yourself with the fundamentals of driving and potentially learn some new tips along the way. The highway code can also be a great tool to look through and make sure you’re up to date with the latest guidance.
  • Plan ahead – avoid driving at night or during peak hours where possible and know your journey and any road closures or diversions that may be along your route.
  • Licence renew – From the age of 70 you are required to renew your licence every three years.

Cyclists

Cycling is a great way to keep active and is a sustainable mode of transport, cyclists however do find themselves amongst the vulnerable road user category. Follow some of our top tips below to keep yourself safe on the roads:

  • Get yourself noticed – wear high visibility clothing even during daytime and summer months.
  • Cycling and walking infrastructure is ever evolving so make use of traffic free routes, cycle lanes and segregated facilities.
  • Rules of the road apply to all users, ensure you adhere to red lights, give way junctions and utilise controlled crossings where possible.
  • Wear a helmet and ensure it is in good condition and fits securely, it might just safe your life one day.
  • Partake in additional training to improve your riding ability and awareness of the road network, there is a Government funded scheme called Bikeability which offers free practical cycle training to equip you with the confidence and skills to ride safely in a variety of traffic situations.

Pedestrians

Walking is great way to commute and keep active, take a look through our top tips below to keep yourself safe on the roads:

  • Get yourself noticed – wear high visibility clothing even during daytime and summer months.
  • Don’t get distracted – using your mobile phone can increase the risk of conflict with other road users, especially when crossing the road or walking in shared use area alongside cyclists.
  • Plan ahead – Walking and cycling infrastructure is ever evolving so make use of traffic free routes where possible.
  • Always look for a crossing facility even if it’s takes you slightly off your journey it could be a decision that saves you from serious or fatal injury.
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