The NSW Government have renewed its Slow Down Around Horses campaign to improve rider, horse and motorist safety when out on the road.
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With so many horses and riders around Young and the Hilltops area local motorists and riders should know what they can and cannot do while out and about.
Pony Club NSW have welcomed the renewed call for safer driving around horses.
"Drivers are being reminded to brush up on some of the lesser-known road rules when driving near horses as part of an awareness campaign rolling out to keep motorists and riders safe on country roads," a Pony Club NSW statement read.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said it was important to remember that riders and horse-drawn vehicles have 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. Horses are easily spooked and can be unpredictable, so don't use your horn or rev your engine.
"Horses are considered a vehicle on the road, so riders need to obey the road rules, ride on the left-hand side in the same direction as traffic, avoid tight corners or crests and try keep a good line of sight."
In the last 10 years, there have been nine fatalities involving a ridden horse, while there were 54 casualty crashes involving a riderless horse struck by a vehicle, resulting in the deaths of two people and serious injuries to 15 others.
"Horse riders have the right to share our roads," a NSW Transport spokesperson said.
"They have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers, motorcycle riders and bicycle riders.
"Horses can be easily scared so it's important to take extra care when driving near them."
NSW Transport safety tips for drivers:
- Be aware that horses can be easily frightened and unpredictable
- Slow down and take extra care on bends, crests and on narrow roads, particularly in areas close to horse riding schools or where you see warning signage
- If you're passing a horse, whether it's being ridden or led, or is pulling a vehicle, remember to:
- Slow down and allow plenty of room when overtaking
- never use your horn or rev your engine, as this could scare the horse.
- Slow down and allow plenty of room when overtaking
- never use your horn or rev your 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
- If you are involved in a crash, you are required to stop and provide relevant information. If someone is injured or there is damage to property, call Triple Zero (000). If a horse is injured, contact the nearest vet.
- Ensure you are familiar with and follow any warning signs alerting you to the presence of horses.
NSW Transport safety for horse riders:
- Use horse trails where possible. If you do ride on the road:
- Always obey road rules
- avoid tight corners or crests and instead ride on roads where motorists have a good line of sight
- ride on the left hand side of the road in the same direction as the traffic
- use clear hand signals to notify motorists of intent to turn.
- Always obey road rules
- avoid tight corners or crests and instead ride on roads where motorists have a good line of sight
- ride on the left hand side of the road in the same direction as the traffic
- use clear hand signals to notify motorists of intent to turn.
- You are permitted to walk or ride your horse on footpaths and nature strips unless specifically prohibited and provided you give way to pedestrians at all times.
- Ride during daylight hours and wear bright coloured clothing.
- You can ride side-by-side with another horse rider as long as there is enough space to do so safely and you're within 1.5m of each other.
- You should always wear a helmet that meets Australian Standards
The Country Women's Association (CWA) of NSW President Stephanie Stanhope said an incident earlier this year, which saw a rider injured and a horse euthanized after being hit by a vehicle, served as a reminder to keep up to date on road rules.
"We are seeing too many close calls and often these animals are a major part of a rider's livelihood, so we ask that motorists are respectful when sharing the road with horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles to avoid any unfortunate incidents," Ms Stanhope said.
"Riders should also be aware of their surroundings, including traffic, pedestrians, road surfaces and changing weather conditions, and, if possible, ride during daylight hours.
"It is also good practice to avoid tight corners or crests and instead ride on roads where motorists have a good line of sight, and the wearing of high visibility or bright-coloured clothing and a helmet that meets Australian standards is strongly recommended."
For more information visit https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/drivers/animalsoncountryroads/horses-in-traffic.html.
To download the Horses in Traffic brochure visit https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/downloads/horses-in-traffic.pdf.
Rebecca Hewson
A local with a love of local news reporting for the people across the Hilltops and Weddin areas.
A local with a love of local news reporting for the people across the Hilltops and Weddin areas.
