…working together in partnership – to make the roads of London safer
間…(Ma) – The space between road users is just as important as the road users themselves.
Analogy
If you have ever travelled on the train, or in particular the underground, you will know that there is a visible line also known as a social distance margin (SDM) along the platform which everyone is encouraged to stand behind, so as not to impede the ‘area of greater risk’ which is in close proximity to the approaching train? The SDM is usually accompanied by the “stand back from the line” message and is a well-known practice in the interest of personal safety. The VRU, pedestrians and cyclists in particular when in the vicinity of large vehicles E.G., whilst waiting to cross or use the road are faced with an identical scenario to the train analogy – maintaining a social distance margin from the vehicle. Many injuries and fatalities regarding VRU’s are as a result of this ‘area of greater risk’ SDM being impinged and because of the close proximity to the vehicle, it is not always possible for the driver to see, if anything, is within this area when carrying out the different complexities of a manoeuvre. It is for this reason that a visual margin surrounding the vehicle should be projected and avoided when possible.
An SDM that can be seen and used by everyone and which ought to be avoided, will help to ensure personal safety and can only help to reduce incidents, accidents and fatalities suffered by the VRU. Even if VRU’s are distracted, perhaps when using the mobile phone, listening to personal headphones or they could be hearing impaired, they are not sole reliant on audio warnings. They can see the ‘area of high risk’ from the VALL footprint (daylight intensities permitting) and react accordingly.
…working together in partnership – to make the roads between Norwich and Peterborough safer
The 1.5 Metre footprint is used by some Police Forces in their #OpClosePass
Just the same as with driver’s being prosecuted for passing or overtaking ‘too close’ to a cyclist, any cyclists that enter in to the Vehicle Avoidance Lights (VAL’s) illuminated footprint when in the proximity of a vehicle, could be deemed ‘too close’ and depending upon the circumstances, may be cautioned and/or prosecuted, if spotted. This information is correct and has the agreement of the West Midlands Police as of 07.11.2017.
If a vehicle is using external recording cameras in conjunction with the VAL’s and an incident occurs within the illuminated footprint, any possible impingement of the area can be examined with possible blame apportioned. The Highway Code stipulates a clearance to be given to larger vehicles to enable its safe handling.