Little-known Highway Code rule could see motorists fined for driving near horses
Motorists are being warned of massive penalties this spring, with vehicles posing a threat to the growing number of horse riders on the road.
Last year, new Highway Code changes were introduced in a bid to improve safety on the roads and increase the amount of awareness for more vulnerable road users. This involved creating a “hierarchy of road users”, with larger vehicles having more responsibility to be careful than others, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
Experts are now warning that motorists should pay greater attention to the road when driving near horses and people riding horses.
For many, who tend to drive in urban areas, horses on the road may not be a common occurrence for them, but for others, it can be a daily event.
Shockingly, there were more than 3,550 equine-related road incidents last year, with 139 riders injured, data from the British Horse Society (BHS) found.
New offences introduced in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill 2021, increased punishments for careless driving.
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The new offence - “causing serious injury by careless driving” - now carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment.
Rule 215 of the Highway Code urges drivers to be particularly careful of horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles.
This is especially important when approaching, overtaking, passing or moving away, with motorists advised to pass wide and slowly.
It states: “When you see a horse on a road, you should slow down to a maximum of 10mph.
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"Be patient, do not sound your horn or rev your engine. When safe to do so, pass wide and slow, allowing at least two metres of space.”
The Highway Code gives a particular warning for people driving through the New Forest, Exmoor and Dartmoor, where feral or semi-feral ponies are found.
In a fight or flight situation, horses tend to flee from danger, meaning any sudden change in driving habits could cause them to move incredibly quickly, making the situation more dangerous.
Greg Wilson, founder of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Drivers should approach horses slowly and with caution, making sure to give them a wide berth, as per the highway code, to ensure everyone remains safe on the road.
“Horse insurance is not a legal requirement, but with the number of equine-related incidents reported every year, there’s a strong argument for riders to protect themselves, so they are covered if they find themselves in an accident which is not their fault.
“Public liability insurance might also be sensible if the horse is nervous on the road, this would cover instances such as a horse being spooked and bolting off, leaving a trail of damage.
“If a horse kicks out and damages a car and it was not the fault of the driver, most fully comprehensive car insurance policies will cover the cost to have the vehicle repaired or replaced.”
Rule 129 clarifies that drivers should avoid straddling the double white lines unless they are overtaking someone.
People may cross the line if necessary to overtake a stationary vehicle, cyclist or horse rider if they are travelling at 10mph or less.
The British Horse Society advises drivers to slow down to a maximum speed of 10mph and remain patient.
All horse riders on the road should be wearing fluorescent or bright clothing, as well as a vest informing drivers to overtake slowly and from a wide distance.
Motorists should not sound the horn or rev the engine and leave at least two metres.
Once the vehicle has passed the horse, they should drive away slowly to not startle the horse and potentially risk an accident.