Core
Two other groups call for that same extra vigilance, for different reasons. Near schools and playgrounds, and between parked cars, children may step onto the road without warning: they get so absorbed in play that they do not look out, and near parked cars they cannot see you coming — and you cannot see them (Book p.128). Older people and people with a disability often have limited perception and reaction ability: they notice you late and need more time to cross (Book p.128). Pedestrians in general often take part in traffic unconsciously and are regularly so absorbed in their phone that they have no idea what is happening around them (Book p.127) — do not assume attentiveness as a given. The law offers a counterweight: vulnerable road users are given extra protection, and in a collision with, for example, a pedestrian or cyclist, you as the driver are in principle always liable (Book p.127) — the hedge 'in principle' is part of that rule, not a throwaway phrase. One extra signal, not grounded on these book pages but usable in class: a pedestrian with a white cane is visually impaired or blind — give extra room and time (CBR teaching material).
Read this section on its own page: Core: Vulnerable pedestrians: children, older people, and priority at the crossing
Source: RVV 1990 art. 49 · RVV 1990 art. 74 · checked 2026-10-22
Frequently asked questions
‘A pedestrian on a crossing always has priority, with no exception whatsoever’ – is that true?
No. The priority applies with exceptions: military column, funeral procession and red pedestrian light or amber flashing light. Outside those three cases the pedestrian keeps priority
‘In a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist, the driver is always liable, without exception’ – is that true?
No. The text says 'in principle always liable', not 'always, full stop'. The hedge 'in principle' is part of the legal meaning (room remains for the concrete circumstances)
‘Children near a school or playground behave in traffic just as predictably as adults’ – is that true?
No. Children get so absorbed in play that they do not look out and may step onto the road without warning, especially near schools, playgrounds and between parked cars. Expect the unexpected, not adult behaviour
‘Older people and people with a disability need just as much time and reaction ability in traffic as other adults’ – is that true?
No. This group often has limited perception and reaction ability, notices you late, and needs more time for actions like crossing. Give that extra time, even if the pace looks independent
‘A pedestrian with a phone in hand pays just as much attention to traffic as any other pedestrian’ – is that true?
No. Edestrians often take part in traffic unconsciously and are often so absorbed in their phone that they have no idea what is happening around them. Expect less attentiveness, not more
