New Overtaking Rule Proposed to Improve Safety for Horse Riders in England

A new overtaking rule aimed at enhancing the safety of horse riders on English roads is gaining momentum, with a petition calling on the government to update the Highway Code. The petition specifically requests the inclusion of a photographic guide to horse riders' hand signals, which are currently missing from official road safety materials.

The campaign highlights confusion surrounding existing guidance, particularly in Section 215 of the Highway Code. This section instructs drivers to watch for and respect horse riders’ signals, especially requests to slow down or stop. However, the Code lacks clear visual representation of these signals, which horse riders are trained to use, such as the extended arm moving up and down to signal a request for vehicles to reduce speed.

This omission has created inconsistency and could potentially lead to dangerous misunderstandings between drivers and horse riders. The petition insists that the Highway Code should align more closely with the practical hand signals taught to riders to ensure road users respond appropriately.

Section 215 details important safety measures for interacting with horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles. Drivers are advised to be particularly careful when approaching or overtaking, to slow down to no more than 10 mph, and to allow at least 2 metres of space when passing. The Code also warns against sounding horns or revving engines, as horses are sensitive to noise and can react unpredictably.

Special consideration is urged for feral or semi-feral ponies in areas like the New Forest, Exmoor, and Dartmoor, which should be treated with the same caution as ridden horses. It notes that horse riders may sometimes ride in double file, especially when accompanying young or inexperienced horses.

Ultimately, the Highway Code reminds drivers that horses are flight animals prone to sudden movement when startled, emphasizing the importance of patience and vigilance to prevent accidents.