‘Raw and honest’ video highlights importance of equestrian road safety

09.06 | 26 November 2019 | | 1 comment


The British Horse Society (BHS) has launched a new video as part of its ‘Dead Slow’ road safety campaign.

Set up in March 2016, the Dead Slow campaign aims to educate drivers on how to pass horses safely on the road – and remind riders of their responsibility to adhere to the Highway Code.

The new video features a ‘raw and honest’ conversation between Alan Hiscox, director of safety at the BHS, and Laura Thorogood, who founded Canewdon Equestrians after her horse, Angel, was killed after being struck by a vehicle travelling at 53mph, while Laura herself was left with serious injuries.

The BHS says the video highlights the seriousness of road safety for equestrians.

Alan Hiscox said: “Incidents similar to the one highlighted in the video are sadly becoming a reality for many equestrians across the country. 

“The aim of this video is to clearly demonstrate the devastating impact these incidents can have on riders and horses. 

“If drivers adhere to our ‘Dead Slow’ key messages by slowing down and allowing enough space between themselves and the horse, then we can help bring this incident rate right down.”

Canewdon Equestrians have campaigned for three years to get the speed limit reduced where Laura’s collision took place – and last month they were told it will be reduced from 60mph to 40mph.

Laura Thorogood said: “I cannot emphasise enough the importance of the fact that our roads are shared by all vulnerable road users, everyone’s safety is paramount.”

The key behavioural change messages to drivers in the Dead Slow campaign are:

  • Slow down to a maximum of 15mph
  • Be patient – do not sound the horn or rev the engine
  • Pass the horse wide and slow (if safe to do so), at least a car’s width if possible
  • Drive slowly away

 

Comments

Comment on this story

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Report a reader comment

Order by Latest first | Oldest first | Highest rated | Lowest rated

    Such a sad story heart breaking. I would imagine that we are talking mainly country roads/lanes! I have been manufacturing High Viz Road Safety Products for over 30 years, and can remember this problem going back then, so why is it car drivers have not got the message in all this time?
    Do we need even more signage to warn drivers, do we put a 20mph speed limit on country roads? I think most drivers show respect where horses are concerned, so what is the answer to the remaining percentage that do not respect, as like I said I can remember this same problem over 30 years ago.
    Certainly being seen has got to be a big help, we have been making a high viz tabard recently warning drivers they are being filmed, which I think is a step in the right direction! Getting this filming message across may make drivers think more, it’s a bit like a speed camera, drivers certainly pay attention to those and slow down. We have the technology now, so I think we have to make use of it!


    Mike Hancox, Warwick
    Agree (0) | Disagree (0)
    0

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close