Sharing the Road: Pedestrians, Motorcyclists, Heavy Vehicles and Animals
Vulnerable road users
Pedestrians have priority on zebra crossings and need extra room near schools, markets and bus stops. Children may run out without looking; older people and people with disabilities need more time. Motorcyclists and cyclists are exposed: give them a full lane's width when passing, check blind spots, and expect them to weave around potholes. Helmets are compulsory for motorcycle riders and pillion passengers.
Heavy vehicles
Buses, lorries, tractors and trailers have long stopping distances and large blind spots, especially directly behind and alongside the cab. Never cut in front of a heavy vehicle and brake; never travel alongside one that may turn. On bends, long vehicles need extra road width and may swing wide. Stay well back so the driver can see you in the mirrors.
Animals and slow traffic
Livestock on rural roads is common. Slow down, avoid harsh horn use, pass wide and be ready for sudden movement. Near donkeys, cattle and dogs, a quiet approach is safer than a blast of the horn. Rickshaws and overloaded vehicles may stop without warning.
Worked example
A bus is stopped at a bus stop and passengers are boarding. A child steps out from in front of it. The correct response is to have already slowed and increased your gap, so you can stop. Overtaking the bus at speed leaves no margin.
Traps
Passing a motorcycle with inches to spare; sitting in a lorry's blind spot; sounding the horn repeatedly at livestock; assuming a stopped bus will stay stopped; failing to allow for a tractor turning into a field.