MOTORISTS who pass too close to horses will be targeted in a police campaign to reduce the number of injuries and deaths on roads.
The Lose The Blinkers drive is aimed at all road users but particularly those on the fringes of large towns and cities where many horse riders exercise their animals.
The British Horse Society says that since 2010, two riders and 10 horses have been killed on Scotland’s roads. A total of 50 riders and 43 horses have also been injured.
Many of the incidents have been caused by vehicles either colliding or passing too close to the horse, causing them to throw the rider, panic
or bolt.
Alan Hiscox, director of safety for the British Horse Society, said: “We want to remind drivers that horses can be unpredictable and even the most well-trained horse can react to its instincts and want to move quickly away from what they consider to be a threat.
“It is worth remembering that there are three brains working when a horse and rider meet a vehicle on the road: the driver’s, the rider’s and the horse’s. There is room for everyone on the road if we all show some consideration.”
The Police Scotland campaign, which is supported by the British Horse Society and Glasgow City Council, will be officially launched on social media and at an event in
Ayrshire on Friday night.
The campaign will involve plain-clothed officers from the mounted branch patrolling areas of concern and recording incidents of bad driving on camera.
Drivers will be stopped by police
officers and educated in the hazards of passing horses incorrectly before an enforcement phase is introduced in November.
Inspector Janet Dickie, from
Police Scotland’s road policing
division, said: “We recognise the vulnerability that horse riders experience on our roads and this campaign is aimed at both riders and those who may come across them, as we all share the same road and need to show mutual respect.All road users deserve to travel safely - some people are put off from riding as they fear being involved in a collision and many riders are deterred from riding on the roadway for fear of them or their horses being seriously injured or killed.“I am urging all drivers to give horses as much room as
possible when you pass, as failure to give sufficient space is considered careless or even dangerous driving and drivers face prosecution for
failing to do so.
“Likewise, I am urging all horse
riders to make sure they are as visible as possible, particularly as the days shorten, by wearing high-visibility clothing, using lights and giving clear signals.”
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