Wiltshire Police Boost Rural Patrols to Protect Horse Riders from Close Passes
A concerned response to a rise in reported incidents has seen Wiltshire Police increase its visible presence on the county’s rural roads. The force is specifically targeting the dangerous practice of motorists passing horse riders too quickly and too closely, a scenario that poses a significant risk to both riders and drivers.
Context: The Unique Dangers of Rural Roads
Wiltshire’s picturesque countryside, while a haven for equestrians, cyclists, and walkers, presents unique road safety challenges. Narrow lanes, blind corners, and varying surface conditions require heightened awareness from all road users. The British Horse Society reports that in the UK, a vehicle passes a horse too closely approximately every 30 seconds, with hundreds of collisions involving horses occurring annually. These incidents often result in serious injury to the rider and the horse, and can cause significant damage to vehicles.
Police Action and Direct Community Engagement
In a direct effort to deter dangerous overtaking and reassure the public, Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Sheppard conducted a high-visibility patrol in the Calne countryside on Sunday, 14 March. This proactive patrol is part of a broader strategy to address the surge in complaints from the equestrian community about close passes.
A Wiltshire Police spokesperson confirmed the operational shift, stating: “We have increased our rural patrols following a rise in reports of vehicles passing horse riders too quickly and too closely. On Sunday 14th March, PCSO Sheppard spent time on patrol in our more rural areas.”
The Official Safety Code: Slow Down and Give Space
To prevent accidents, police and road safety organisations consistently advocate for a simple but critical code for drivers when encountering slower-moving road users. The advice is clear and evidence-based:
- Slow Down: Reduce speed to a maximum of 10mph when approaching and overtaking.
- Give Space: Allow at least a two-metre gap between your vehicle and the horse, pedestrian, or cyclist.
The force reiterates that patience is paramount. “Please remember to pass slower road users carefully, slowing down (max 10mph) and giving at least 2 meters of space when passing horses, pedestrians or cyclists. Your patience helps keep everyone safe,” the spokesperson urged.
Why These Measures Matter
Horses are large, flight-driven animals that can be easily spooked by the sudden noise, proximity, or movement of a vehicle. A close pass at speed can cause a rider to lose control, leading to a fall or the horse bolting into traffic. The two-metre guideline provides a crucial safety buffer, accounting for the width of the horse and rider plus an essential margin for error. Adhering to the 10mph limit gives the rider more time to react and the horse less reason to panic.
This campaign underscores a shared responsibility on rural roads. By increasing patrols, Wiltshire Police are not only enforcing the law but also educating drivers, aiming to foster a culture of respect and caution that protects all who use the county’s lanes.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and get breaking news sent directly to your mobile – don’t forget to turn on notifications by clicking the bell icon.
Click a topic to read more stories like this:
Image Credit: www.wiltshire999s.co.uk
