Tasmanian drivers and motorcyclists are not the only users of our roads. Other vulnerable groups include pedestrians and cyclists.
Everyone has a right to use the road but it is also everyone's responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others and all road users should share the road.
Pedestrians
Densely built up and busy urban environments are areas where pedestrians are most at risk.
One of the key factors involved in pedestrian crashes is that other road users do not see them until it is too late, or they step out from concealed locations. Light coloured clothing with reflective properties is the safest option for pedestrians, especially at night.
There are specific road rules that apply to pedestrians and failure to obey these rules is often a contributor to pedestrian crashes. To minimise the risk of being involved in a crash, pedestrians should always use crossings and obey the signals.
Pedestrians, like drivers, can be affected by alcohol. Alcohol slows reflexes and impairs the ability to estimate speed and distance, which can lead to errors in judgment when crossing roads.
Young children are at higher risk as pedestrians due to their lack of experience and skills needed to be a safe road user and therefore they should always be supervised by adults around traffic. At the other end of the spectrum, adults over 60 years of age generally experience deterioration in their eyesight and hearing, which can make it more difficult to judge distances and the speed of traffic. Also, reduced mobility may mean that it takes them longer to cross a stream of traffic.
Cyclists
Cyclists are present on our roads all year round and it is important that motorists are aware of them and share the road effectively and responsibly.
When you are a cyclist:
- remember to stop at red lights and keep to the left of the road to allow a clear passage for passing traffic
- wear a helmet, brightly coloured clothing and have lights on your bike
- be predictable and always indicate your intentions clearly.
When you are driving:
- be patient and cautious near cyclists
- allow at least one metre clearance when passing cyclists
- always check your mirrors before opening the car door
- indicate your intentions in traffic.
For more information on cycling please refer to the Tasmanian Bicycle Council website http://www.cycleinstead.org.au/
A series of community service announcements offer tips to motorists and cyclists to encourage all road user groups to share the road and be respectful of one another.
