Safe People
Ensuring the safety of all road users in Jersey is a crucial component of the wider Safe System Approach. The responsibility of creating a safer road environment is shared by everyone, from policymakers to individual road users.
On this page, you will learn about vulnerable road users, the hierarchy of road users, and best safety practices tailored for each road user group, providing practical guidance to help ensure a safer and more inclusive road network for all.
What are Vulnerable Road Users?
Vulnerable road users are individuals who are at a higher risk of injury or fatality in the event of a road traffic collision due to their limited physical protection and exposure to vehicles on the road.
Vulnerable Road Users Include:
- Pedestrians: Prioritising children, older adults and individuals with disabilities
- Cyclists: Including those using e-bikes
- Horse Riders
- Motorcyclists: Including Moped Riders
Why Do Vulnerable Road Users Need Special Protection?
Vulnerable road users face heightened risks due to their lack of physical protection, exposure to road hazards, and reduced visibility, particularly at night or in bad weather conditions. Mobility challenges, such as impaired hearing or vision, and the absence of facilities like pavements or bike lanes further increase their vulnerability.
Globally, they account for a significant portion of road fatalities, emphasising the need for tailored safety measures. The Safe System Approach addresses these risks through safer infrastructure, speed management, education, and improved vehicle safety, creating a more protective road environment for all.
Hierarchy of Road Users
The Hierarchy of Road Users prioritises individuals based on their vulnerability in collisions. Those most at risk, such as pedestrians and cyclists, are placed at the top. These road users lack the protective barriers that vehicles provide, making them more susceptible to severe injuries in the event of a collision.
In contrast, larger vehicles like heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and cars are ranked lower on the hierarchy. While these vehicles can cause more damage due to their size and weight, they offer significant protection to their occupants. Consequently, drivers of these larger vehicles have a greater responsibility to exercise caution and be considerate of those who have less protection.
This principle aims to ensure that everyone, regardless of their mode of transportation, can share the road safely and respectfully.
Hover over each road user type category to learn more about why it is placed where it is on the hierarchy of road users.
Hover over each road user type category to learn more about why it is placed where it is on the hierarchy of road users.
Children | Elderly People | People with Sensory or Mobility Impairments
These individuals are particularly vulnerable to all other road users. A child stepping unexpectedly into the road or a person with reduced mobility taking longer to cross can catch drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians off guard. Everyone must exercise patience and vigilance to accommodate their unique needs.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians rely on drivers, cyclists, and other pedestrians to respect their space, especially on pavements and crossings. However, inattentive or distracted pedestrians can unintentionally create hazards for cyclists or vehicles, such as stepping into the road without warning. Pedestrians who do not follow designated crossings may force other road users to make sudden adjustments, increasing the risk of collisions.
Cyclists
Cyclists, while vulnerable themselves, can pose risks to pedestrians if they ride on pavements, fail to yield at crossings, or speed through shared spaces. They also impact drivers, especially when riding unpredictably or in large groups. Drivers may have to swerve or slow down abruptly, which could disrupt traffic flow. Conversely, cyclists are at risk from cars, buses, and larger vehicles that fail to give them enough space.
Horse Riders
Horse riders have a unique impact on other road users. Horses can be unpredictable, and sudden movements or noises from cyclists, pedestrians, or vehicles can startle them, leading to collisions. Conversely, riders may slow down traffic, especially on narrow rural roads, causing frustration for drivers or cyclists. Their presence requires extra care and patience from all road users.
Motorcyclists
Mopeds and motorcyclists can effect other road users by weaving through traffic or accelerating quickly, which can startle pedestrians and cyclists. Their smaller size and speed can also make them harder for drivers of larger vehicles to anticipate. However, they often face significant risks themselves from inattentive drivers.
Cars
Cars have a significant impact on all road users due to their size and speed. They pose a particular threat to cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists when drivers are inattentive, speeding, or failing to yield. Cars can also disrupt vulnerable users like horse riders if the driver does not slow down or pass wide.
Vans | Buses | Heavy Goods Vehicles
These vehicles significantly impact other road users due to their size, blind spots, and slower stopping times. They can endanger cyclists, pedestrians, and smaller vehicles if not handled carefully and are also affected by the unpredictability of smaller road users, leading to sudden stops or manoeuvres.
Best Safety Practices for Each Road User
This section highlights practical safety tips tailored to each type of road user, focusing not only on how individuals can enhance their own safety but also on how other road users can act responsibly and attentively to protect those they share the road with.
Pedestrians
Tips for Pedestrians:
- Wear clothing with reflective materials or smart accessories that light up, especially at night or in poor weather
- Look out for quiet electric vehicles (EVs) that may be harder to hear
- Avoid using distracting technologies like phones and headphones when crossing roads
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Always walk facing oncoming traffic on roads without pavements
- Always carry a torch when travelling at night
Tips for Other Road Users:
- Drivers: Be extra attentive in pedestrian-heavy areas, such as near schools, villages and urban areas
- Drivers: Anticipate pedestrian movements when approaching a zebra crossing
- Drivers: Use lights in dull light conditions to make yourself more visible to pedestrians with sight loss
- Cyclists: ring your bell or call out to alert pedestrians when overtaking on shared paths
- All: be aware that vulnerable pedestrians may have hidden disabilities, making it difficult to detect if they cannot see or hear an approaching vehicle
- All: if you see someone with a white cane at the edge of a pavement, stop to let them cross and be patient
- All: Take care in shared spaces, where there are less defined areas for pedestrian/vehicle pathways, a person may not realise that they have stepped into a shared space
Pedestrians
Tips for Pedestrians:
- Wear clothing with reflective materials or smart accessories that light up, especially at night or in poor weather
- Look out for quiet electric vehicles (EVs) that may be harder to hear
- Avoid using distracting technologies like phones and headphones when crossing roads
- Always walk facing oncoming traffic on roads without pavements
Tips for Other Road Users:
- Drivers: Be extra attentive in pedestrian-heavy areas, such as near schools, villages and urban areas
- Drivers: Anticipate pedestrian movements when approaching a zebra crossing
- Drivers: Use lights in dull light conditions to make yourself more visible to pedestrians with sight loss
- Cyclists: Ring your bell or call out to alert pedestrians when overtaking on shared paths
- All: be aware that vulnerable pedestrians may have hidden disabilities, making it difficult to detect if they cannot see or hear an approaching vehicle
- All: if you see someone with a white cane at the edge of a pavement, stop to let them cross and be patient
- All: Take care in shared spaces, where there are less defined areas for pedestrian/vehicle pathways, a person may not realise that they have stepped into a shared space
Cyclists
Tips for Cyclists:
- Use bike lights and wear clothing with reflective materials or smart accessories that light up, especially at night or in poor weather
- Practice "primary positioning" to stay visible to other road users
- Avoid passing potentially turning traffic on the inside
- Avoid positioning yourself in a heavy vehicle’s blind spot
- For more tips please visit our Cycling Safety page, by clicking here
Tips for Other Road Users:
- Drivers: Pass cyclists only when it’s safe, maintaining at least 1.5 meters of space. In certain weather conditions, such as strong winds, rain, or icy roads, allow even more distance to account for reduced stability and visibility
- Drivers: Be extra cautious when the sun is positioned at a low angle, as cyclists may be harder to spot
- Drivers: When opening your car door, use your far hand to encourage you to look for cyclists approaching from behind
Cyclists
Tips for Cyclists:
- Use bike lights and wear clothing with reflective materials or smart accessories that light up, especially at night or in poor weather
- Practice "primary positioning" to stay visible to other road users
- Avoid passing potentially turning traffic on the inside
- Avoid positioning yourself in a heavy vehicle’s blind spot
- For more tips please visit our Cycling Safety page, by clicking here
Tips for Other Road Users:
- Drivers: Pass cyclists only when it’s safe, maintaining at least 1.5 meters of space. In certain weather conditions, such as strong winds, rain, or icy roads, allow even more distance to account for reduced stability and visibility
- Drivers: Be extra cautious when the sun is positioned at a low angle, as cyclists may be harder to spot
- Drivers: When opening your car door, use your far hand to encourage you to look for cyclists approaching from behind
Horse Riders
Tips for Horse Riders:
- Wear clothing with reflective materials or smart accessories that light up, especially at night or in poor weather
- Use clear hand signals to indicate your intentions, such as stopping or turning, and make eye contact to ensure drivers see you
- Familiarise your horse with common road scenarios, such as passing vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, to reduce the risk of spooking
- Choose quieter roads whenever possible, and avoid riding during peak traffic times
Tips for Other Road Users:
- Drivers: Reduce your speed to 15 mph or less when approaching a horse and rider to avoid startling the horse
- Drivers: Leave at least 2 meters of space when overtaking, and do so at a walking pace to ensure the horse feels safe
- Drivers: When overtaking, turn down the car radio or music to prevent startling the horse
- Cyclists: Use a gentle bell or call out from a safe distance to alert the rider of your approach
Motorcyclists
Tips for Motorcyclists:
- Always wear brightly coloured or reflective clothing and ensure your motorcycle has functional headlights, especially during low-light conditions
- Anticipate other road user's actions, maintain a safe following distance, and be prepared to react to sudden movements or lane changes
- Avoid riding in other vehicles' blind spots, and use the lane positioning to maximise your visibility and safety
- For more tips please visit our Motorcycle Safety page, by clicking here
Tips for Other Road Users:
- Drivers: Motorcycles are smaller and can be harder to spot, so always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning
- Drivers: Maintain a safe following distance, as motorcyclists may need to manoeuvre quickly to avoid hazards
- Drivers: Sudden stops can catch motorcyclists off guard, especially if they are following closely. Brake gradually to give them time to react
- Cyclists: Allow motorcyclists sufficient space to navigate safely while on the road
Horse Riders
Tips for Horse Riders:
- Wear clothing with reflective materials or smart accessories that light up, especially at night or in poor weather
- Use clear hand signals to indicate your intentions, such as stopping or turning, and make eye contact to ensure drivers see you
- Familiarise your horse with common road scenarios, such as passing vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, to reduce the risk of spooking
- Choose quieter roads whenever possible, and avoid riding during peak traffic times
Tips for Other Road Users:
- Drivers: Reduce your speed to 15 mph or less when approaching a horse and rider to avoid startling the horse
- Drivers: Leave at least 2 meters of space when overtaking, and do so at a walking pace to ensure the horse feels safe
- Drivers: When overtaking, turn down the car radio or music to prevent startling the horse
- Cyclists: Use a gentle bell or call out from a safe distance to alert the rider of your approach
Motorcyclists
Tips for Motorcyclists:
- Always wear brightly coloured or reflective clothing and ensure your motorcycle has functional headlights, especially during low-light conditions
- Anticipate other road user's actions, maintain a safe following distance, and be prepared to react to sudden movements or lane changes
- Avoid riding in other vehicles' blind spots, and use the lane positioning to maximise your visibility and safety
- For more tips please visit our Motorcycle Safety page, by clicking here
Tips for Other Road Users:
- Drivers: Motorcycles are smaller and can be harder to spot, so always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning
- Drivers: Maintain a safe following distance, as motorcyclists may need to manoeuvre quickly to avoid hazards
- Drivers: Sudden stops can catch motorcyclists off guard, especially if they are following closely. Brake gradually to give them time to react
- Cyclists: Allow motorcyclists sufficient space to navigate safely while on the road
Car Drivers
Tips for Drivers:
- Keep your focus on the road—avoid using mobile phones, eating, or adjusting controls while driving
- Adhere to posted speed limits, and adjust your speed for weather, traffic, or road conditions
- Follow the 2 second rule in normal conditions to ensure you have time to react to sudden stops by road users ahead. Increase this to 4 seconds on wet roads and at least 10 seconds on icy roads
- Anticipate other road users’ actions and always be prepared for unexpected situations
Tips for Other Road Users:
- Pedestrians: Ensure cars have completely stopped before stepping into the crosswalk
- Cyclists: Use hand signals to indicate turning or stopping so drivers can adjust accordingly
- Cyclists: Use designated bike lanes when available, and avoid weaving into vehicle lanes
- Other Drivers: Ensure your headlights are dimmed when approaching or following another car at night
Large Vehicle Drivers
(Vans, Buses and Heavy Goods Vehicles)
Tips for Drivers:
- Keep your focus on the road—avoid using mobile phones, eating, or adjusting controls while driving
- Use mirrors and cameras to ensure no road users, especially cyclists or motorcyclists, are in your vehicle's blind spots
- Leave extra space, as larger vehicles take longer to stop than smaller ones
- Be cautious on turns, ensuring your rear wheels don’t encroach on pavements or other lanes
Tips for Other Road Users:
- All Road Users: Stay out of the "no-zones" around larger vehicles, especially directly behind or beside them
- Drivers/ Riders: Allow large vehicles the room they need to make wide or multi-point turns safely
- Cyclists: Overtake large vehicles only when you’re certain the driver has seen you and there is enough space
- Pedestrians: Ensure the driver has seen you before crossing in front of a large vehicle
Car Drivers
Tips for Drivers:
- Keep your focus on the road—avoid using mobile phones, eating, or adjusting controls while driving
- Adhere to posted speed limits, and adjust your speed for weather, traffic, or road conditions
- Follow the 2 second rule in normal conditions to ensure you have time to react to sudden stops by road users ahead. Increase this to 4 seconds on wet roads and at least 10 seconds on icy roads
- Anticipate other road users’ actions and always be prepared for unexpected situations
Tips for Other Road Users:
- Pedestrians: Ensure cars have completely stopped before stepping into the crosswalk
- Cyclists: Use hand signals to indicate turning or stopping so drivers can adjust accordingly
- Cyclists: Use designated bike lanes when available, and avoid weaving into vehicle lanes
- Other Drivers: Ensure your headlights are dimmed when approaching or following another car at night
Large Vehicles Drivers
(Vans, Buses and Heavy Goods Vehicles)
Tips for Drivers:
- Keep your focus on the road—avoid using mobile phones, eating, or adjusting controls while driving
- Use mirrors and cameras to ensure no road users, especially cyclists or motorcyclists, are in your vehicle's blind spots
- Leave extra space, as larger vehicles take longer to stop than smaller ones
- Be cautious on turns, ensuring your rear wheels don’t encroach on pavements or other lanes
Tips for Other Road Users:
- All Road Users: Stay out of the "no-zones" around larger vehicles, especially directly behind or beside them
- Drivers/ Riders: Allow large vehicles the room they need to make wide or multi-point turns safely
- Cyclists: Overtake large vehicles only when you’re certain the driver has seen you and there is enough space
- Pedestrians: Ensure the driver has seen you before crossing in front of a large vehicle