Safety call for motorists and horse riders as clocks go back

Motorists are being urged to take care passing horse riders in Surrey as the nights draw in.

Click image to download

With the clocks going back at the weekend (30 October), horse riders are also being asked to wear high visibility clothing to give drivers more time to see them properly.

The call is being made by Surrey County Council and Surrey Police to the 25,000 people who keep horses in the county as part of their Drive SMART campaign.

It aims to ensure riders can be seen so motorists can pass with care and they all share the road safely and courteously.

By wearing high visibility garments riders could give motorists a valuable three seconds extra reaction time.

It is estimated that each year there are more than eight road accidents a day nationally involving horses, about half of which occur on minor roads*. Riders often need to use roads to reach public bridleways.

Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety Kay Hammond said: “I would urge road users to slow down and give horse riders enough time and space when overtaking and I would ask all those on horseback to make sure they can be seen by wearing high visibility clothing.

“Through our Drive SMART campaign we’re trying to persuade all road users to abandon their selfish behaviour, be more considerate and give more thought to each other to ensure that our roads are safer and more pleasant for everyone.”

Superintendent Sharon Bush, of Surrey Police, said: “Safety on the road is the responsibility of all road users and by wearing high visibility clothing horse riders can give extra warning to motorists to pass with care. This will help to keep them safe.”

Drive SMART was launched by Surrey County Council and Surrey Police in September 2009 after county residents rated anti-social driving as a major concern.

Ends

To learn more about Surrey County Council’s and Surrey Police’s Drive SMART campaign visit www.drivesmartsurrey.org.uk/

Notes for editors

As part of the campaign 1,000 high visibility tabards with reflective strips are being handed out to riding stables and clubs throughout Surrey. To request tabards, call 01483 517117.