A motorist approaching cyclists on a country road has a duty to reduce speed in case a dangerous situation develops, even where the speed limit is not exceeded. In apportioning contributory negligence in collisions between motor vehicles and bicycles, the inequality of size, weight, speed and manoeuvrability, and the consequent vulnerability of the cyclist, are relevant factors. A cyclist who diverges into the path of an approaching vehicle without signalling or looking behind, having previously observed the vehicle, bears significant responsibility, but the motorist's failure to reduce speed and keep a proper lookout may be equally culpable.
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