Core: Vulnerable pedestrians: children, older people, and priority at the crossing

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).