Roads Policing Message - Vulnerable Road User

1. What is a Vulnerable Road User?

A vulnerable road user (VRU) refers to someone using the road who is at greater risk of serious injury or death because they have less protection than occupants of motor vehicles. Common VRUs include:

• Pedestrians
• Cyclists
• Motorcyclists
• E-scooter or micromobility device users
• Children and older road users

2. Why the Risk is Higher for Vulnerable Road Users

There are several contributing factors:

• Speed & impact severity: At higher speeds, the risk of death or serious injury for a vulnerable road user struck by a vehicle increases dramatically. At 80 km/h, the chance of a pedestrian surviving is very low, whereas at 30 km/h survival improves markedly.
• Visibility & awareness: VRUs are less visible than larger vehicles; drivers may fail to see cyclists or pedestrians in poor lighting or bad weather especially at this time of year.
• Less structural protection: Unlike car drivers, VRUs are exposed directly; a collision often results in more serious injury.
• Shared spaces & distractions: Urban roads, mix cars, buses, cyclists and pedestrians. Mistakes or distractions (mobile phones, etc) increase risk.

3. The Added Dangers in Winter

As we move into winter, VRUs face elevated risks due to several seasonal factors:

• Reduced daylight & poor visibility: Shorter days mean many commuters, pedestrians and cyclists are on the road in dawn/dusk or dark conditions. In these times, drivers’ visibility is worse, and VRUs are harder to spot. An Garda Siochana’s  “Winter Ready” campaign specifically addresses this.
• Adverse weather conditions: Rain, sleet, fog, frost or snow reduce traction and stopping‐distances for all road users. Slippery surfaces are especially hazardous for cyclists or pedestrians slipping or being unable to avoid a hazard. The RSA’s “Severe Weather” campaign addresses these issues.
• Glare & low sun: The angle of the winter sun and glare can reduce driver visibility, making it harder to spot VRUs.
• Walking & cycling in darkness: Many VRUs will be outdoors when it’s dark. Survey data show a worrying number of pedestrians rarely wear high‐visibility clothing in poor lighting.
• Driver changes & distractions: With weather and lighting changes, driver behaviour needs to adjust (reduced speed, greater alertness).

4. Advice for Protecting Vulnerable Road Users in Winter

Below are some key practical tips for both VRUs themselves and for other road users (drivers) to help protect VRUs.

For VRUs (pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, e-scooter users):

• Wear high-visibility or reflective clothing, especially when it is dark or visibility is poor. “Be careful … wear high visibility clothing, brake early…”.
• Use lights if cycling or on micromobility devices (white front light, red rear light) and keep them in working order.
• Choose well-lit routes and keep to footpaths/cycle-lanes when available.
• Be especially cautious around junctions and where drivers may have limited view (e.g., parked cars, bunds).
• Be aware of weather and surface conditions: ice, wet leaves, grit can all reduce traction and increase the chance of a fall or slip.
• Avoid distractions (phones/headphones) so you can hear and see approaching vehicles.
• Plan extra time: don’t rush in poor conditions.

For drivers and other vehicle users:

• Slowdown in winter conditions. Lower speed allows more time to react to VRUs entering the roadway.
• Be aware of VRUs especially at dawn, dusk and darkness when visibility is reduced.
• Use dipped headlights in daylight if visibility is poor.
• Give extra space when passing cyclists or pedestrians: when road conditions are poor, they may have less ability to manoeuvre.
• Be alert at junctions, pedestrian crossings, near cycle-lanes; look out for cyclists/pedestrians who may be obscured by vehicles or poor light.
• Avoid distractions (mobile phones) – any delay in reaction time greatly increases risk for VRUs.
• Consider whether the journey is necessary in severely adverse weather, and if so, be especially vigilant.

5. Conclusion

Vulnerable road users are disproportionately affected by collisions due to their reduced protection and increased exposure. Seasonal factors—darkness, poor weather, slippery surfaces—amplify these risks during winter. To make the roads a safer place for vulnerable road users, the path forward is clear: visibility, speed reduction, and heightened awareness from all road users are essential. For VRUs the key is to make oneself as visible and predictable as possible; for drivers it is to adapt to the conditions, watch for VRUs, and drive in a manner that recognises their vulnerability. Together, we can reduce the toll of winter road casualties.