Awareness of other road users

Regardless of whether driving is taking place on a work site, premises owned by the business, a private road or a public road, drivers need to be aware of others who may also be using the road, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, large and heavy goods vehicles, emergency services and learner drivers.

Not only will this help to reduce 'at fault' collisions, but it could also lessen the chance of them being involved in an incident due to another road user’s behaviour, as it might be possible to take preventative action.

Road traffic incidents most commonly occur during manoeuvres like reversing and moving in and around tight or blind spots and when drivers might feel under pressure or others don’t follow the Highway Code or instructions given by signs and road markings. Collisions and other accidents can be avoided with good driver training and, in some situations, the help of assistive technology, such as cameras and proximity alarms.

Key actions to raise awareness of risks from and to other road users

Make sure that drivers undertake regular training and assessments that include revision of the Highway Code and what to do in certain situations.
Be aware of the risk of cyclists riding up the inside of HGVs and other long vehicles, particularly when turning left at a junction.

- Attach warning stickers to the rear of the vehicle to deter cyclists from going on the inside. In addition, extra mirrors, cameras or sensors can be fitted in the cab and on wing mirrors to improve visibility.

Keep pedestrians and vehicles segregated while on your site, premises and private roads – see our risk topic page on workplace transport for more detail.
Consider installing vehicle telematics and in-vehicle CCTV so that poor driver behaviours, such as a disregard for speed limits and lack of attention to their surroundings (which may be implied by frequent hard and sudden braking, for example), can be identified before they cause a road traffic incident.
Be aware and courteous of the differences in road traffic law when driving in other countries; our page about driving abroad provides information about this matter.