Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is calling on all road users to brush up on some of the lesser-known road rules about driving near horses.
Announced by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, the call is part of an awareness campaign to keep motorists and riders safe on country roads.
Mr Toole said the TfNSW campaign sought to remind people that riders and horse-drawn vehicles had the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers, motorcycle riders and cyclists using the road.
“Horses and other livestock aren’t uncommon on roads in the bush, and this campaign reminds everyone to share the road safely,” Mr Toole said.
“Drivers should slow down and allow plenty of room when passing a horse, whether it’s being ridden, led or pulling a vehicle,” he said.
“Horses are easily spooked and can be unpredictable, so don’t use your horn or rev your engine.”
Mr Toole said in the last 10 years, there had been nine fatalities involving a ridden horse and 54 casualty crashes that involved a riderless horse struck by a vehicle, “resulting in the deaths of two people and serious injuries to 15 others”.
In a statement, TfNSW said that, to stay safe when sharing the road with horses, drivers should slow down and take extra care on bends, crests and narrow roads; slow down and allow plenty of room when overtaking; and never use the car horn or rev the engine, as this could scare the horse.
“It’s not just about leaving enough room while passing a horse, it’s about not driving too fast or making loud noises that can scare a horse,” TfNSW said.
Further information on driving near horses is available in TfNSW’s three-page Horses in traffic brochure at this PS News link.
