'It's quite scary on the roads' says horse rider as new safety changes are agreed
A Devon horse rider - who says she's had countless near misses with vehicles - is backing a pledge by Devon County Council to make the roads safer for equestrian users.
Last updated 25th Jan 2021
Figures show 33 horses died and 104 were injured in Devon because of bad driving last year - the highest in the South West.
The South West of England reports the highest level of incidents involving horses and vehicles in the UK - with 203 incidents reported to The British Horse Society during 2019-2020.
The council has now voted that: "With the documented increase in speeding incidents we support the charity in urging drivers to be very careful when passing horses on the road, and for them to adhere to its Dead Slow campaign messages.
"Furthermore, as Devon's highways authority we will aim to work with horse owners & riders, local communities, District, Town and Parish Councils, charities and others to wherever possible promote this campaign, in tandem with other measures such as better signage, to achieve behavioural change and secure better equine safety for all."
Devon horse rider Kate Lee said: "I ride my horse on a very bust road, unfortunately I have to ride on it from my fields to get to any off road riding or any quieter lanes.
"I've had a quite a few times instances with cars over the years. people passing very close, within about a foot of me.
"Going very fast, sometimes up to 50, 60 miles an hour. Big lorries coming extremely close as well. It's quite scary on the roads."
For more about The British Horse Society Dead Slow campaign and Devon County Council's pledge click here