Drivers and sharing the road

Tips about how drivers and other road users can share the road safely.

How drivers should share the road with pedestrians

 

• When turning (left or right) at any intersection, except a roundabout, you must give way to any pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.

 

• Pay particular attention when turning right.  Drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing the road they are turning into, as well as oncoming traffic (including bike riders) when turning right.

• Drivers must give way to pedestrians at a pedestrian crossing, and must not overtake another vehicle which has stopped at a pedestrian crossing. 
• When approaching a pedestrian crossing, drive at a speed that lets you stop safely. 
• At roundabouts be aware of pedestrians needing to cross, slow down and give them the space and time they need.
• On a slip lane a driver must give way to any pedestrian crossing the lane, whether there is a marked pedestrian crossing or not. 

 

• When entering or leaving a driveway, you must give way to pedestrians and bicycles on any footpath, path or nature strip you cross.

 

• In a shared zone, you must give way to pedestrians 
• You must give way to any pedestrian at or near the stop sign or line. This includes pedestrians as well as bicycles crossing in front of you.

How drivers should share the road with bike riders

• Be patient and keep your distance from bike riders, at least one metre, more if you’re traveling over 60 km/h.
• After overtaking, make sure you are well clear of the bike rider before moving back.
• Watch out for bike riders at intersections and roundabouts.
• Drive cautiously and watch out for bike riders in residential streets.
• Check behind you before opening your car door, use your mirrors and do a head check. 
• Do not drive in bicycle lanes.
• Give way to bike riders in bicycle lanes if you are turning across the lane.
• Indicate when pulling out, changing lanes or turning, so bike riders know your intentions.
• View our video Checking for cyclists and motorcyclists (External link) for more information about how to be aware of cyclists when opening your car door.

Sharing the road with pedestrians who are visually impaired

It is important that all road users know how to identify people who are vision impaired so they can act accordingly.

People who vision impaired have less information when making decisions about where and when to cross the road.Other senses, such as hearing can assist, but do not compensate for the loss of vision.

When driving, riding a motor bike or bicycle, it is important to be patient with pedestrians and to recognise that people who use canes or dogs may take longer to cross the road. Also be aware that a person who is vision impaired may not make eye contact, or respond to visual gestures.

Helpful information

• View the animation -  I might not see you but you can always see me 

• What to do when you see a blind person crossing the road  [PDF, 10.39 Mb]

• What to do when you see a blind person crossing the road [WORD, 1.3 Mb]  

• Sticks, dogs and safety [PDF 10.7 Mb]

• Sticks, dogs and safety [WORD, 8 Mb] 

• Are you driving with a vision impairment [PDF, 9.9 Mb]

• Are you driving with a vision impairment [WORD, 8 Mb] 

Travel Happy - Share the Road

Follow this link to the Travel Happy - Share the Road website for further ideas about how to share road safely.