Somerset Council Supports Horse Sense Campaign

Somerset County Council has announced its support for the British Horse Society’s (BHS’s) Dead? Or Dead Slow? campaign to help educate motorists on how to pass horse riders safely and responsibly.

Advice includes slowing down to 15mph, being patient by not sounding the horn or revving the engine, driving slowly and leaving enough room to pass (at least the width of a car). 

Horse riders have also been advised to wear high visibility trousers or similar, avoid riding in poor light conditions or bad weather, be courteous to drivers, concentrate at all times and avoid distractions, and tell someone when you’re going riding and when you expect to be back.

Alan Hiscox, director of safety with the BHS, said: “Riders have the same right to be on the road as motorists, cyclists or any other user group. With a bit of understanding and consideration on both sides, there’s room for everyone to use the roads in harmony and safety.” 

Figures from the BHS show that out of 2,070 accidents reported to the society, some 75 per cent were caused by drivers not leaving enough room to pass the horse in question safely. This should be all motorists need to know to drive more carefully when near a horse. 

And riders should note that when riding without high vis gear it takes a driver travelling at 30mph three seconds longer to see them than if they were wearing fluorescent clothing. Safety should always be at the forefront of your mind when out on your horse – and reflective clothes are one of the best ways of staying safe on the road.