Older traffic participants

Older road users often have impaired vision and hearing, which can cause them to perceive and react more slowly. However, they can compensate for these limitations to some extent through their experience, good habits, and routines. Many older individuals have difficulty walking and fear falling, making them less aware of their surroundings when stepping off curbs or crossing the road. Additionally, some older people view pedestrian crossings as particularly safe areas and may inadvertently fail to look before crossing. When they cross the road while the light is green, they often do so with complete confidence, without checking for oncoming vehicles. Moreover, many older individuals are apprehensive about traffic and can be startled by quickly approaching cars, those driving past, or sudden braking, which can lead to panic situations. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise extra caution when you encounter older individuals in traffic and pay close attention to their actions. In situations like the one depicted in the picture, the older cyclist appears to be struggling to maintain balance and may have been taken by surprise by a pedestrian. In such cases, it’s important to remain vigilant and anticipate that the cyclist might fall, even if they seem capable of staying on their bike. Adjust your speed, maintain a safe distance, and be prepared to stop to prevent any accidents. For more information on road safety, visit prove.dk and prepare for your theory test.