An MSP is giving his backing to a campaign aimed at making our roads safer for horses and their riders.
Pass Wide and Slow is urging motorists to reduce their speed to 15mph when approaching and passing horses, and to provide at least two metres of space.
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
“Roads across the Highlands and Islands are shared by motorists and horse-riders alike, and most interactions happen with both consideration and courtesy. However, very sadly, there are all too many incidents on our roads when injury, or even death, has been caused to horses and their riders, as well as to the motorists themselves in some cases."
“That’s why it’s so important that, when driving, all of us slow down when passing horses and give them a reasonably wide berth of at least two metres or, preferably, more. We can all play a part in helping reduce the risk of incidents."
“I hope the campaign is successful and the message reaches as many drivers as possible.”
The highway code warns motorists that horses on the road should be treated as a “potential hazard” and that drivers should “pass wide and slowly”.
More on the campaign here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passwideandslow/
