Protecting Vulnerable Road Users: A Shared Responsibility

Our roads are shared spaces used by many different people. “Vulnerable Road Users” (VRUs) include pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists (covered in detail separately), children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. They are considered ‘vulnerable’ because they lack the physical protection offered by vehicles like cars or buses, making them much more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash. Ensuring their safety requires awareness, care, and specific actions from both VRUs themselves and vehicle drivers. MKJR is committed to advocating for safer infrastructure and promoting awareness to protect all road users, especially the most vulnerable.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians:

  • Be Seen: Wear bright or light-coloured clothing during the day and reflective materials at night. Carry a torch when walking in the dark.
  • Use Designated Crossings: Whenever possible, cross at pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, or overhead bridges. Obey pedestrian signals.
  • Look Carefully: Before crossing, stop at the kerb, look right, look left, and look right again. Listen for traffic. Continue looking as you cross.
  • Avoid Distractions: Put away your phone and headphones when walking near traffic. Stay alert to your surroundings.
  • Walk Facing Traffic: Where there are no pavements/footpaths, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic so you can see vehicles approaching.
  • Make Eye Contact: Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them to ensure they have seen you.

Safety Tips for Cyclists:

  • Wear a Helmet: Protect your head by always wearing a properly fitted cycling helmet.
  • Be Visible: Use front white lights and rear red lights, especially at night or in low light. Wear bright and reflective clothing.
  • Follow Road Rules: Obey traffic signals, signs, and road markings just like other vehicles. Ride predictably.
  • Use Hand Signals: Clearly signal your intentions when turning or stopping.
  • Ride Appropriately: Use designated bike lanes where available. If riding on the road, position yourself where you are visible but avoid disrupting traffic flow excessively. Be cautious around parked cars (opening doors).
  • Maintain Your Bicycle: Ensure brakes, tires, and lights are in good working order.

Safety Considerations for Children, Elderly & Persons with Disabilities:

  • Children: Supervise children closely near roads. Teach them basic road safety rules from a young age. Ensure they use appropriate crossings and are highly visible. School zones require extreme caution from drivers (see below).
  • Elderly: May require more time to cross roads. Drivers should be patient. Elderly pedestrians should use designated crossings and ensure they are visible. Be aware of potential hearing or vision impairments.
  • Persons with Disabilities: Utilize accessible pedestrian crossings and infrastructure where available. Use visibility aids appropriate to your needs. Drivers need to be extra vigilant and provide ample space and time.

Tips for Drivers – Protecting VRUs:

  • Slow Down: Reduce speed significantly in residential areas, school zones (adhere strictly to limits like 30 km/h where posted), shopping areas, and anywhere VRUs are likely to be present.
  • Yield to Pedestrians: Always stop for pedestrians waiting to cross or already crossing at designated crossings. Be prepared to stop even if crossings are not marked in areas with high pedestrian activity.
  • Look Twice: Actively look out for pedestrians and cyclists, especially when turning at junctions or reversing. Check blind spots carefully.
    Give Cyclists Space: When overtaking cyclists, leave ample space (ideally at least 1-1.5 meters). Do not drive too closely behind them.
  • Be Patient: Allow extra time for children, the elderly, or persons with disabilities to cross the road. Don’t honk unnecessarily.
    Avoid Distractions: Focused driving allows you to spot VRUs more easily.

Protecting vulnerable road users requires a collective effort. Whether walking, cycling, or driving, adopting safe behaviours and being aware of others makes Malaysia’s roads safer for everyone.