Horse vs car – Too many horses & riders killed or injured by careless drivers
John Morrison in our personal injury team, is a specialist in horse-related accidents. His expertise on the subject has helped the firm recover over an astounding £8 million in damages for riders in the last 10 years. In this article he discusses accident statistics from the previous two years, as well as changes to the Highway Code designed to safeguard riders.
Changes to the Highway Code introduced on 29th January 2022 were designed to protect horses and riders using the road.
However, based upon statistics from the British Horse Society (BHS), 68 horses were killed, and 139 riders suffered serious injury whilst using British roads in 2022. Now, the situation seems to have gotten worse, rather than improved.
In Yorkshire alone, during 2023 there were 276 logged incidents on the road involving horses (over 5 per week). Nationwide, there were 3,383 accidents recorded by the BHS in 2023, with 85% reported as being caused by a vehicle driving too close or too fast.
So, what does the Highway Code say about a driver’s duty of care for a horse and rider?
- Always pass wide and slowly.
- When you see a horse on a road, you should slow down to a maximum of 10 mph.
- Be patient, do not sound your horn or rev your engine.
- When safe to do so, pass wide and slow, allowing at least 2 metres of space.
Every driver should know and follow the Highway Code. A driver who fails to do this and causes an accident is negligent.
Whilst the car may consider itself to be “King”, it has a duty to rule the road with care.
If you are unfortunate to suffer an accident resulting in injury, please get in touch with a member of our personal injury team.
Morrish Solicitors having expertise pursuing claims for riders involved in horse riding accidents over many years acting for member of NARS, BGA and the Farriers Association. Call 033 3344 9600 or email [email protected] to make an enquiry.
Author: John Morrison, personal injury.
