Introduction

In general, all type of road users are at risk of being injured. However, there are eminent contrasts in fatality rates between different road user groups. Specifically, the “vulnerable” road users such as pedestrians, bicyclist, and two-wheeler users are at higher risk than vehicle occupants. Usually, the ‘vulnerable’ road users bear the greatest burden of fatality and injury. As a driver, you must be aware of the safety issues related to vulnerable road users.
Vulnerable road users are characterised as “vulnerable” mainly due to their exposure to the roadway in the absence of protective shell and safety measures. Moreover, the difference in mass between other vehicle and vulnerable road users is often a significant factor towards the fatality. The pedestrians and cyclists are predominantly known as vulnerable road users mainly due to their unprotected state. However, owing to the unstable nature of vehicle, motorcycle riders, pillion riders and non motorized transport users are also known as vulnerable users. In order to ensure the safety of the vulnerable road user, it is important for you to follow various safety guidelines. Such guidelines which are pertinent to the safety of vulnerable road user are discussed in this Chapter.

Causes of Vulnerability

The major reasons for vulnerability are as follows.

• Absence of protective shell and safety measures.
• Smaller in size than regular vehicle and less visible to other road users.
• More chances of being killed or injured when involved in a collision.