Beware of horses on rural roads

Tractor drivers and motorists are being urged to take care after statistics showing that five incidents involving horses are recorded on roads every week in the east of England.

Across the region, a total of 282 horse-related incidents were recorded with the British Horse Society  in 2023. Suffolk experienced the most incidents at 62, up by 24% compared to 2022. Comparatively, Hertfordshire had 54 incidents and Essex had 49.

These figures are a stark reminder that road incidents involving equestrians continue to persist, said the society. This is despite the changes implemented in the Highway Code in 2022, which set out clear guidance for passing equestrians safely.

BHS safety director Alan Hiscox said: “It is clear that a significant number of drivers are still unaware of the advice in the Highway Code and the importance of driving carefully when passing and approaching horses.”

The BHS is also offering clear advice for equestrians to follow when out on the roads with their horse – including wearing hi-vis and reflective equipment as well as using the appropriate hand signals to make other road users aware of their intentions.