Chapter 11: Other Users

11.1 Preventive driving

The area of uncertainty is a safety space around the vehicle which covers the front, rear and especially the sides, where any road user could move unexpectedly. E.g. a cyclist can turn right quickly.

Among the various road users: don’t surprise, don’t disturb and be understanding.

11.2 Use of the road

Pedestrians must travel:

• Within a locality, on the right or left
• Outside of a locality and on cross roads, to the left. If in a group, wheelchair or pushing a moped or cycle, they may travel on the right
• At night: approved reflectors visible from 150 metres
• Forbidden to cross roundabouts, must always walk around them
• Prohibited to travel on motorways and dual carriageways

Animals:

• Should travel on designated animal crossings
• Forbidden to go on the motorway and dual carriageway, including animal-drawn vehicles
• At night animal drivers must have a white front light and a red light in the rear

Large vehicles:

• Impede traffic flow and visibility
• Must pay attention to the length while overtaking
• They usually have a wide windscreen, which will emit large amounts of water in case of rain

2-wheeled vehicles:

• Motorcycles, mopeds and quads: Helmet is mandatory for drivers and passengers. The driver is responsible for helmet use throughout the vehicle. If the motorcycle has a self-protective structure, you only need to use the seatbelt. Headlights day and night.
• Bicyclists: Helmet is mandatory for cyclists only outside of town, except in extreme heat and with steep slopes. When riding at night, must have a reflector visible from 150 metres. At night, must have a white front light and a red light in the rear.

11.3 Adjusting the seat and controls

1. Incorrect position causes fatigue and tension.

2. The seat and seat back allow the driver to reach the pedals and steering wheel with slightly bent legs and arms.

3. Clutch:

• ENGAGED = OUT OF GEAR = No motor movement is transmitted to the wheels
• NOT ENGAGED = IN GEAR = Motor movement is transmitted to the wheels

4. Steering wheel: Held firmly and simulating a clock with hands marking 10 minutes to 2 or quarter to 3.

5. Gearbox: To change gear, it will be necessary to engage the clutch.

• Low gear (First): Low speed, but with great power and increased consumption.
• High gear (Fifth or sixth): High speed, but with little power and less consumption.

6. Turn signals: After performing a manoeuvre, they should be turned off.

7. Brakes:

• Service (foot brake): Acts on all 4 wheels
• Parking (hand brake): Usually acts on the rear wheels

11.4 Groups at risk of accidents

YOUNG DRIVERS:

• Majority of fatal accidents, between ages 15 and 19
• Less experience and perception of risk
• Usually more alcohol and drug consumption
• Drive faster
• Their main cause of accidents is not respecting traffic rules
• More accidents at night, at dawn, during summer, holidays, weekends and on the route back and forth from work

ELDERLY DRIVERS:

• They are more likely to have accidents caused by the loss of their physical and mental faculties
• Visual/auditory field is smaller, and mobility is less accurate
• They consume more medication
• They are more sensitive to complicated traffic situations

PEDESTRIANS:

• In the city, hitting pedestrians are the accidents which produce the most victims
• The elderly and children are the most vulnerable
• They constantly commit infractions (cross where they shouldn’t, run traffic lights, etc.)
• You should never give signals for them to cross

CHILDREN:

• Not familiar with road rules and this causes them to get hit more often
• Short stature limits their peripheral visual field
• Develop the ability to locate the source of sounds beginning at age 7
• Confuse seeing with being seen
• The height of most vehicles makes the car strike them on the head in an accident

CYCLISTS:

• More accidents on conventional highways, especially on weekends
• The most common accident is frontal collision
• They turn incorrectly or travel in the opposite direction
• Avoid giving them acoustic signals (so as not to startle them)
• Wearing a helmet reduces the chance of head injury 3 times

MOPEDS AND MOTORCYCLES:

• The responsibility for accidents is shared with the other vehicle drivers
• Injuries are more severe because the driver always takes the hit, as their body acts as the chassis
• They are less stable, more fragile and less visible
• Wearing a helmet reduces the likelihood of head injuries up to three times

Unit test