Other Road Users
Other Types of Road Users
You share the road with others — many of whom are more vulnerable than you.
These include:
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Cyclists
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Motorcyclists
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Mobility vehicles
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Buses and coaches
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Pedestrians
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Animals
Cyclists
Give cyclists at least 1.5 metres when overtaking under 30 mph (more at higher speeds).
They may:
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Swerve to avoid potholes or car doors
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Struggle in bad weather or uphill
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Ride more centrally for safety
Never drive aggressively or try to intimidate them.
Motorcyclists
They’re small, fast, and easy to miss.
Look twice at junctions — Think once. Think twice. Think bike.
Give extra space in windy weather, and be aware they may be blown off course.
Mobility Vehicles
These small electric vehicles travel slowly (max 8 mph).
They’re hard to see, so give them plenty of space, especially on faster roads.
Buses and Coaches
When you see one stopped:
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Watch for passengers crossing in front or behind
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Give way when they signal to pull out if it’s safe to do so
Pedestrians
Drive slowly in areas where pedestrians are likely — residential areas, schools, and shopping zones.
Give way to people crossing at junctions or crossings.
Never overtake near a pedestrian crossing.
Children are impulsive and unpredictable — especially near schools, ice cream vans, or parks.
Older people may move slowly or struggle to judge traffic — be patient.
People with disabilities may have limited sight or hearing — look for white canes, guide dogs, or red-and-white markings indicating both sight and hearing impairment.
Animals on the Road
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Drive slowly and quietly – avoid using the horn.
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Keep engine speed low – don’t rev the engine or accelerate quickly after passing.
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Be alert on unfenced roads, where animals may suddenly step into your path.
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Always drive at a speed that allows you to stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear, especially at night when using dipped headlights.
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Give animals plenty of space when passing.
People in Charge of Animals
If someone handling animals signals you to stop, then you should do as instructed immediately and switch off your engine.
This helps to keep the animals calm and ensures that everyone safe.
Horses
Horses can be unpredictable and easily frightened — especially those being ridden by children. Take extra care whenever you see horses on or near the road.
When Driving Near Horses
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Look out for horses being ridden or led on the road.
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Slow down and keep your speed low, particularly on narrow country roads and left-hand bends where visibility is limited.
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When you see a horse or group of riders ahead, reduce speed early and pass with caution.
At roundabouts or junctions, note that a horse rider turning right may signal right but stay on the left-hand side of the road or outside lane for safety.
When Overtaking Horses
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Slow right down and give them plenty of space — at least 2 metres.
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Be ready to stop if necessary.
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Never use your horn or rev your engine; sudden noise can cause horses to panic.
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Watch for hand signals from riders — if they ask you to slow down or stop, do so.
If you encounter a riding-school group, remember that many of the riders may be inexperienced. Approach slowly and with patience.
Also, watch for horse-drawn vehicles and treat them with the same care as ridden horses — slow down, give them room, and pass wide and slow.
Wild Animals
There are more than 2 million wild deer in Great Britain. With growing deer populations and more traffic, collisions are increasingly common — particularly in May, and from October to January.
The highest risk times are dawn and dusk, when deer are most active and traffic is heaviest.
To reduce the risk of collisions:
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Watch for deer warning signs and slow down in these areas.
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Take extra care at dawn and dusk.
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Use headlights on full beam when there’s no oncoming traffic to help spot deer earlier, but dip your lights if you see one — the glare can cause it to freeze.
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Remember that deer often move in groups — if you see one, expect more nearby.
If a Collision Occurs
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Report any deer collision to the police non-emergency number (101) so that a deer warden can attend.
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If the animal is dead, contact the local authority so they can remove it safely.