Drivers warned to give horses space
POLICE SHARE PICTURES OF MOTORISTS PUTTING RIDERS IN DANGER
DRIVERS travelling dangerously close to horses as they pass them on the roads have been caught on camera and police have now shared the shocking images.
Officers from the Swadlincote Police Safer Neighbourhood Team have warned motorists of the dangers of getting too close to the animals as they overtake them.
It comes after pictures were sent into the team by horseriders showing drivers travelling less than a foot away from riders and squeezing past them on the roads, which could easily spook the animal and cause an accident. One picture taken by a rider shows a black Volkswagen driving right behind a horse.
A spokesman for the police team, which is an arm of Derbyshire Police, said: “The team has been sent some shocking pictures. Vehicle driving right up to the rear of a horse before overtaking.
“Another driver not willing to wait for riders to pass, instead they carry on driving past not giving enough space for the riders to pass safely.
“How would you feel if you seriously injured a human being or animal just because you did not slow down and pass safely?”
The team has also issued a warning about being seen and safe on the roads now that the winter nights are drawing in.
This applies to cyclists, horseriders, those on motorbikes, and pedestrians. Officers said even if you are out walking the dog, people need to make sure they are wearing the right gear and have the correct equipment.
Drivers are also being reminded to look out for other road users and pass at a two-metre distance.
What to wear and do to be seen in the dark:
■ Wear high visibility clothing – it’s best to have fluorescent and reflective items to wear.
■ Ensure you have lights on your bicycle – it is not only the law to use lights on your push bike, as stated in the Highway Code, but it also helps greatly with visibility.
■ Wear reflective snapbands – this can be moved to different parts of the body, and are most useful on limbs that will be active. Place them around your ankles if cycling or on a horse and your wrists to be seen when indicating turning.
Place hi-vis over rucksacks. There is also a wide range of hi-vis gear for your horses and even your dogs to wear.