The High Weald Bridleways Group Road Safety Campaign

Did you know that: -

There are over 2.4 million riders in Great Britain.
There are over 26 million licensed vehicles on the roads
There are approx 8 horse related accidents every day
On average 5 riders are killed each year
Over 50% of all road accidents involving horses happen on minor roads.

The HWBG have campaigned extensively over the last five years to make the government aware of the danger and intimidation faced by riders and horses on today’s roads.

We have written to:

The Prime Minister, John Prescott, Minister for Sport, Minister of the Horse, Department of Environment, Transport and the Region, DEFRA, The Countryside Agency, The Department of Vehicle Licensing Agency, The County Council Road Safety Division, The Highways Department, The T.V. Programme ‘So you think you are a good driver’, The Sunday Times, The Daily Telegraph, Local and County Newspapers etc.

Each year in October Rides for Road Safety are held in Battle, East Sussex, to remember Lily, a member’s horse who was struck from behind whilst on a quiet hack one sunny evening and killed. This year’s ride was filmed by Meridian T.V. and given a four minute slot on their news which was televised at 5pm one Sunday evening.

As a result of this:

DETR have included Horses in their new ‘Think’ road safety campaign with ads to go out on radio and be shown on T.V.
The DVLA have put horses on the road as a hazard on page two of their trainer manual for the new hazard perception element of the driving test.
The East Sussex County Council have now included horses in all their road safety literature.

It is only by intensive lobbying by organisations like The British Horse Society and ourselves that eventually drivers may become aware of our problems.

When Riding On The Roads Make Sure You

Have read the appropriate sections of the Highway Code
Thank motorists who are courteous to you
Ride on the left hand side of the road
Give clear and accurate signals
Wear protective headgear that is correctly fitted and secured at all times
Make sure you can be seen by drivers at all times of the day. Wear florescent/reflective accessories
Leave details of your intended route and estimated time of return

Some of the above has been reproduced in part from the Code for Riding and Driving Responsibly produced by the British Horse Society.
For the full Code as it applies to riding on roads as well visit their website at www.bhs.org.uk