Who is Considered a Vulnerable Road User? Let’s Talk About Keeping Everyone Safe.

Who is Considered a Vulnerable Road User? Let’s Talk About Keeping Everyone Safe.

We all share the road, right? But let’s face it, some of us are a whole lot more exposed than others. That’s where the term “vulnerable road user” comes in. It’s about recognizing that some folks on our streets are just naturally at greater risk if things go wrong. So, who exactly are we talking about, and what can we do to make things safer?

Think about it this way: a vulnerable road user is basically anyone who isn’t surrounded by a metal cage when they’re out and about. They don’t have that protective shell that cars offer. And that lack of protection? It means they’re far more likely to get seriously hurt – or worse – if they’re involved in a collision with a vehicle. It’s a sobering thought.

Now, different organizations might word it slightly differently. You’ll see the National Safety Council, for instance, use a pretty broad definition, basically saying it’s anyone without that external shield. The U.S. Department of Transportation gets a bit more specific, focusing on those most likely to be seriously hurt or killed in a crash. And the European Union? They’re on the same page, highlighting non-motorized users, motorcyclists, and people with disabilities.

So, who are these vulnerable folks in real life? Well, you probably already have a good idea:

• Pedestrians: That’s anyone walking, jogging, or using a wheelchair. Think about kids darting across the street or older adults who might not move as quickly. They’re incredibly vulnerable.
• Cyclists: Bikes are great, but they offer zero protection in a crash. It’s just you versus the pavement (or worse).
• Motorcyclists: Okay, they’re on a motorized vehicle, but they’re still exposed. No steel frame, no airbags – just a whole lot of risk.
• Road Workers: Ever see those folks in orange vests working on the highway? They’re VRUs too, right in the thick of traffic.
• Those Using Scooters and Such: Electric scooters, mopeds, you name it. They’re fun, but they don’t offer much protection.
• People on Animals: Yes, even horseback riders and those in horse-drawn carriages are considered vulnerable.

What makes these folks so much more at risk? A bunch of things, really:

• The Obvious: Lack of Protection: We’ve already hammered this home, but it’s the big one.
• Speed Differences: Cars are fast; people aren’t. That difference in speed makes collisions way more dangerous for the VRU.
• Hard to See: Pedestrians and cyclists can be tough to spot, especially when it’s dark or the weather’s bad. As a driver, you really need to be vigilant.
• Bad Road Design: Ever try to bike on a road with no bike lane? Or walk where there’s no sidewalk? It’s scary, and it puts you right in harm’s way.
• Bad Driver Behavior: This is huge. Distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving – it all makes things way more dangerous for everyone, especially VRUs.

Here’s the really scary part: VRU fatalities are on the rise. In the U.S., we’ve seen a significant jump in pedestrian and cyclist deaths. And in Canada, vulnerable road users accounted for nearly a third of all traffic fatalities in 2021. That’s a wake-up call.

So, what can we do about it? A lot, actually. It’s about making our roads safer for everyone:

• Smarter Infrastructure: Protected bike lanes, wider sidewalks, better crosswalks – these things make a real difference.
• Slower Speeds: Lower speed limits in busy areas save lives, plain and simple.
• Better Visibility: More lighting, better vehicle tech to spot VRUs – anything that helps drivers see better.
• Education, Education, Education: We need to remind drivers to watch out for VRUs and share the road responsibly.
• Vehicle Safety Tech: Things like automatic emergency braking can prevent crashes before they happen.
• Helmets: They might not be cool, but they save lives.

Bottom line? Vulnerable road users are part of our communities, and we have a responsibility to protect them. By understanding the risks and taking action, we can make our streets safer and more equitable for everyone – whether they’re on foot, on two wheels, or just trying to get around in a different way. As drivers, the onus is on us to pay attention and drive in a way that protects those most at risk.