Safe Road Use

Safe road users are competent at all levels, including: paying full attention to the road ahead and the task in hand; adapting to the conditions (weather, the presence of other users, etc.); travelling at lower speeds; not driving while impaired through drink, drugs (including medicines) or fatigue; not being distracted by in-vehicle technology (mobile phones, entertainment systems, sat navs, etc.); and giving sufficient room to all other road users, no matter what their mode of travel.

Safe road users are mindful of the hierarchy of road users, which ensures that those road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others. They respect other road users at all times and assume responsibility for others’ safety as well as their own.

Measures to encourage safe road use also include working together to reduce car-based traffic, inspiring people to use active modes, such as walking, cycling, wheeling or to use public transport rather than their own vehicles.

Education interventions are also important, to ensure road users are risk-aware, can develop coping strategies for high-risk situations, and act appropriately to keep themselves and others safe on the road.