Motorists urged to be more careful around horses
Motorists are being urged to take care around horses on the roads as part of a new campaign announced today by road safety Minister, David Jamieson.
A new TV filler film and supporting leaflet and poster will be launched at the Badminton Horse Trials today urging motorists to slow down and take care around horse riders. On average, the British Horse Society believe that there are over 3000 accidents a year involving accidents with horses.
Latest figures show that for the year 2000 there were 147 horse rider casualties and two fatalities. David Jamieson said:
"Horse riders are particularly vulnerable on the road and it is important that anyone who drives should be considerate to their needs. Riders have as much right to use the roads as anyone else and should be able to enjoy riding without fear of dangerous behaviour by other road users".
"Motorists should slow down and keep their distance. They should only overtake when there is room to do so, and when they do, it should be wide and slow. Horses are easily startled; using the horn can make them do something unpredictable, leading to an accident. "Similarly, horse riders have a duty of care to themselves, their horse and other road users to use the road safely. Riders should never use the roads without first taking the British Horse Society's road proficiency test. They should also make sure they fluorescent reflective clothing so they are more visible to motorists."
The Highway Code provides comprehensive guidance for both horse riders and motorists on what steps they should take to maximise their safety. The new filler film and leaflet says to drivers: · When you see a horse rider on the road - slow down, give plenty of room and be ready to stop. · Do not sound your horn or rev your engine. · Don't try to pass unless you can give them a wide berth. · Treat horses as a potential hazard and expect the unexpected.
The horse sense campaign is part of the Government's wider ongoing Think! road safety campaign. The British Horse Society (BHS) administer a road proficiency test, which sets a high standard for road riding. The DTLR have provided money to help publicise the test and encourage more riders to take it. Funding has also been provided for the production of a manual for trainers of the BHS road proficiency test and riders are recommended to take this test
Towards the end of the year the car theory test will be extended to include hazard perception, and the clips which might be seen by candidates will include horseriders.
Crown copyright Information published under Click-Use Licence C02WOOO1113 from HMSO
