‘Dead Slow’ horse safety boards for Warwickshire roads
The Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership has stepped up efforts to support the county’s growing equestrian community and to help improve their safety whilst using the roads. The partnership has distributed 44 ‘Dead Slow’ boards, produced in partnership with the British Horse Society (BHS), which ask drivers to pass horses wide (two metres) and slow (10mph or less).
This reflects the 2022 Highway Code changes, which explain what drivers and motorcyclists need to do to pass horses safely:
- Slow down to a maximum of 10mph
- Be patient, and do not sound a horn or rev the engine
- When safe to do so, pass the horse wide and slow (two metres minimum if possible)
- Drive slowly away
The signs will be displayed on private properties where passing drivers can see them.
The partnership says those travelling on two wheels, such as off road bikes and motorbikes with a loud engine, can be particularly challenging for horses – and is asking riders to be prepared to stop and turn engines off.
Alan Hiscox, director of safety at The British Horse Society, said “We are very pleased to support Warwickshire Horse Watch and Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership to take steps to improve road safety for horses and riders. Recently we attended a huge camping and caravan show at the NEC and spoke to over 500 drivers, many of whom aren’t involved in the equine industry, and only 21% knew about the Highway Code changes for equestrians.
“This is extremely disappointing and shows there is still a greater level of education needed. These road signs will be a critical part of this, generating greater awareness in the Warwickshire area.”
