WATCH YOUR SPEED… THINK HORSES  

Horse riders are one of the more vulnerable users on our rural roads. 

Horses, if not approached with care and passed cautiously, can be spooked and as such we all have a responsibility to drive with due care and consideration for other road users. 

The posted speed limits on our roads are just that…. A limit. It is not a guide. It is not a consideration. It is the limit. Many of our roads have concealed entrances to properties in parts. 

Imagine driving around a bend and finding horse and rider in the road, not being able to slow down and colliding with them. Not only will the rider be injured, the horse will be injured and this potentially could have devastating consequences for all involved. 

Is it really worth the risk? Is it worth risking lives? Is it worth risking your diving license and future prospects? Can you live with taking a life on your conscience just because you didn’t stick to the speed limit? 

If you do happen to approach a horse and rider, please consider the following: 
Slow down and give them space. 
Pass slow and wide giving them plenty of room. 
Watch out for signals from the rider to slow down or stop. 
Avoid exaggerate actions that could spook the horse such as revving your engine load and harsh accelerating. 
Remember to accelerate gently once you've passed the horse. 

Above all we want everyone to enjoy the safe use of our roads BUT we also want everyone to get home safely to their loved ones. 
#SaferRoads #ThinkHorse #SlowDown