Safer drivers, safer riders, safer horses

WILTSHIRE Police and the British Horse Society (BHS) are teaming up to provide advice on how horse riders and motorists should share the road at a public meeting at The Laverton, Friday 15th March from 7pm.

The BHS says, “This is the call from local horse riders wishing to raise awareness amongst motorists on how to pass horses safely on the road. Wiltshire Police’s Rural Crime Team in association with the BHS will be providing rider and driver road safety advice at The Laverton.

“As the number of vehicles on our roads continues to increase, resulting in busier roads, this means these routes are becoming much more dangerous to use, especially for vulnerable road users like horse riders. The aim of the BHS and Wiltshire Police is to reduce the number of incidents and fatalities involving horses and riders on the road by educating all road users and campaigning to make drivers aware of what to do when they encounter a horse on the road.

“Last year in the UK alone, three riders died, 94 were injured, 66 horses died and 86 horses were injured because of road incidents. Of these incidents, 85% occurred because a vehicle passed too closely or too quickly.

“Our guest speaker will be Alan Hiscox, BHS director of safety with Wiltshire Police Rural Crime and BHS Wiltshire teams on hand. The evening is free with no need to book and all are welcome.”