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OTHER ROAD USERS

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”76037″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]OVERVIEW

TURNING
OVERTAKING
JUNCTIONS
PARKING
POOR WEATHER
NERVOUS DRIVERS
ANIMALS
PEOPLE
PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”76039″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]It is important to understand that other road users may not be aware of the space required when driving a large goods vehicle.

As a result the onus is on you, as the driver to avoid incidents.  Always signal in plenty of time and be tolerant of other road users.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”mulled_wine” border_width=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]TURNING

When a motorcyclist or bike rider turns they usually take a quick glance over their shoulder.  Observing their actions and making eye contact can give you an early indication of their intentions on the road.

Other road users may not be aware that a large vehicle will sometimes need to take more than one lane when making turns.

  • Always check your mirrors and blind spots when making turns

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”76040″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”mulled_wine” border_width=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”76042″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]OVERTAKING

Motorcyclists often overtake traffic on the outside or ride through gaps.  When queuing in traffic be sure to check all your mirrors and blind spots prior to moving off or turning.

  • When overtaking cyclists or bike riders leave them space, about the width of a car. 
  • Cyclists in particular can be affected by the draft caused by a large lorry passing by.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”mulled_wine” border_width=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]JUNCTIONS & ROUNDABOUTS

Large goods vehicles are not as quick at pulling away as cars or motorbikes.  Take this, along with the length of the vehicle you are driving into account.

  • Motorcyclists can be hidden by parked cars or slight bends in the road, take extra time to look for bikes.
  • Cyclists can overtake on either side of your vehicle, ALWAYS check your mirrors and blind spots prior to pulling away.

.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”76043″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”mulled_wine” border_width=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”76044″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]PARKING

Cyclists and motorbikes often ride close to parked vehicles.

  •  It is important to check your mirror before exiting the vehicle to ensure you don’t cause any accidents when opening your door.

.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”mulled_wine” border_width=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]POOR WEATHER

Road users can be affected by weather conditions or poor road surfaces.  In wet weather consider the vehicles you are overtaking and the affect the spray your wheels may cause.

Leave extra room when travelling behind vehicles in case they need to brake in an emergency. 

Windy conditions can cause vehicles to be blown off course.

  • Large unladen lorries
  • Cars towing caravans
  • Cyclists

are most susceptible to high winds[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”76045″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”mulled_wine” border_width=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”76046″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]NERVOUS DRIVERS

Other drivers can often lack confidence on the road.  They could be learner drivers, recently passed or elderly. DO NOT become impatient or try to intimidate the driver by:

  • Using your horn
  • Revving your engine
  • Pumping your air brakes 

Remember we were all new drivers once!

.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”mulled_wine” border_width=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]ANIMALS

Country roads are often used by horse riders who you must be ready to slow down and stop for if necessary.

  • Look out for hand signals requesting you stop or slow down. 
  • Be aware of  sudden movements, horses can be unpredictable especially when frightened.

When overtaking DO NOT rev your engine, sound your horn, or play loud music.  Be sure to accelerate away slowly when you have passed the horse rider.

.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”76047″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”mulled_wine” border_width=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”76048″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]PEOPLE

Pedestrians can appear from between parked cars and blind spots.  Be sure to slow down and ready to stop when approaching crossings.

Never wave  pedestrians across as other drivers might not stop for them.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”mulled_wine” border_width=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

THERE ARE FIVE TYPES OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF:

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Pelican

The most common of crossings  A red person on the opposite side of the road changes to green when it is safe to cross[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”76049″ add_caption=”yes” onclick=”link_image” title=”PELICAN CROSSING”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Puffin

Lights controlling the pedestrians are located on the near side of the road.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”76051″ add_caption=”yes” onclick=”link_image” title=”PUFFIN CROSSING”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Toucan

This crossing can be used by both pedestrians and cyclists[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”76052″ add_caption=”yes” onclick=”link_image” title=”TOUCAN CROSSING”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Pegasus

A crossing for riders on horseback[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”76053″ img_size=”medium” add_caption=”yes” onclick=”link_image” title=”PEGASUS CROSSING”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Zebra

Recognised by it’s alternating dark and light stripes on the road surface.  Usually accompanied by flashing yellow lights at ether end[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”76054″ add_caption=”yes” onclick=”link_image” title=”ZEBRA CROSSING”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”mulled_wine” border_width=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row]