ADI Vulnerable Road Users 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When passing a cyclist on a single-lane road, how much space should a driver leave?
- At least 0.5 m
- At least 1.5 m at speeds up to 30 mph, more at higher speeds (Correct answer)
- Enough space not to touch the cyclist
- At least 3 m at all speeds
Correct answer: At least 1.5 m at speeds up to 30 mph, more at higher speeds
The Highway Code (updated 2022, Rule 163) specifies leaving at least 1.5 m when passing cyclists at speeds up to 30 mph, and greater distances at higher speeds.
Question 2: At what distance must you pass a horse and rider?
- As close as passing a pedestrian
- Slowly and with at least 2 m of space (Correct answer)
- At the same speed as normal traffic
- Only when the rider signals it is safe
Correct answer: Slowly and with at least 2 m of space
Rule 215 of the Highway Code advises passing horses and riders slowly, allowing at least 2 m of space, and not accelerating until well clear, as sudden noise or movement can cause horses to bolt.
Question 3: A pedestrian is about to step onto a zebra crossing. What must the driver do?
- Sound the horn to warn the pedestrian
- Slow down and give way to the pedestrian stepping onto the crossing (Correct answer)
- Continue if the pedestrian has not yet stepped on
- Flash headlights to invite the pedestrian to cross
Correct answer: Slow down and give way to the pedestrian stepping onto the crossing
Rule 195 requires drivers to give way to pedestrians waiting to cross and those already on the zebra crossing; the 2022 update extended priority to pedestrians about to step onto the crossing.
Question 4: What is the primary risk when opening a car door in traffic?
- Damage to the car door
- Striking a passing cyclist or motorcyclist — the 'Dutch reach' technique reduces this risk (Correct answer)
- Triggering the central locking alarm
- Blocking the bus lane
Correct answer: Striking a passing cyclist or motorcyclist — the 'Dutch reach' technique reduces this risk
Opening a door without checking can strike a passing cyclist or motorcyclist (known as 'dooring'); the Dutch reach method (using the far hand) forces the driver to turn and check before opening.
Question 5: Children are particularly at risk as pedestrians because they:
- Are too slow to reach the pavement quickly
- Have poor judgment of speed and distance and can act unpredictably (Correct answer)
- Are always accompanied by adults
- Are visible at greater distances than adults
Correct answer: Have poor judgment of speed and distance and can act unpredictably
Children lack the experience to judge vehicle speed and gap size accurately, may dart into the road unexpectedly and are smaller and less visible, requiring greater vigilance from drivers.
Question 6: When should you give extra care to motorcyclists in traffic?
- Only at night
- When changing lanes, at junctions and in poor visibility when bikes are harder to see (Correct answer)
- Only when they are filtering through traffic
- Only when they are on the motorway
Correct answer: When changing lanes, at junctions and in poor visibility when bikes are harder to see
Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars; they are at greatest risk when vehicles change lanes, emerge from junctions or when weather reduces conspicuity.
ADI Vulnerable Road Users 1
When passing a cyclist on a single-lane road, how much space should a driver leave?