The Hierarchy of Road Responsibility
The Principle of Responsibility
Greatest Harm , Greatest Responsibility: Operators of vehicles that can cause the most significant damage bear the highest burden of care to reduce danger to more vulnerable users .
Universal Duty of Care: All road users - including pedestrians and cyclists - must have regard for their own safety and the safety of everyone else on the road .
The Ripple Effect of Collisions
Road collisions cause suffering for everyone involved , whether or not they sustain a physical injury .
Tier 1 : Highest Responsibility
Drivers of large goods vehicles ( NGVs ) , passenger vehicles ( buses ) , vons , minibuses , cors / taxis , and motorcycles .
Tier 2 : Mid - Level Responsibility: Cyclists , horse riders , and drivers of horse - drawn vehicles have a specific responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians .
Tier 3 : Vulnerable Road Users
Pedestrians are at the base of the hierarchy as the most vulnerable , though they still share the responsibility for safe conduct .
Inclusive Road Awareness
Accounting for " Invisible " Impairments
Always remember that other road users may have impaired sight , hearing , or mobility that is not immediately obvious .
Consideration is Mandatory
It is essential for every road user to be aware of the Highway Code and remain considerate of all other people sharing the space .