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.