West Midlands horse safety expert calling on driver caution this summer

The British Horse Society are campaigning after 66 horse fatalities in the UK last year

Author: Josh BarnesPublished 18th Aug 2024

The British Horse Society (BHS) are aiming to educate road users in order to protect horses, riders and drivers.

The 'Dead Slow' campaign sets out guidance and advice for motorist that come across horses.

Alan Hiscox from the West Midlands is the Director of Horse Safety at the British Horse Society.

Speaking to us about advice for motorists coming across horses, he said, "Slow down to a maximum of 10mph, be patient, don't sound your horn or rev your engine.

"And when it is safe to do so, pass slow and wide leaving a distance of at least two metres between you and the horse."

"3,383 road incidents involving horses have been reported to The British Horse Society"

Figures from the BHS reveal that 85%  of incidents occurred because a vehicle passed by too closely or too quickly.

In total 66 horses died last year due to incidents on the road, while a further 86 were injured.

According to Alan, it's not just the horses at risk of injury, he said, "The other thing I would really like to stress is that there are three brains at work.

"There's the driver, there's the rider but also the horses brain so don't ever forget that the horse may react to something as well."

You can fin out more information about the 'Dead Slow' campaign on the British Horse Foundation website.

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