The UK’s roads are shared by a variety of users—drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, equestrians and more like e-scooters. But new statistics reveal that road incidents involving horse riders remain alarmingly high, despite ongoing safety campaigns.

 

According to the latest data from the British Horse Society (BHS), hundreds of accidents involving horses and vehicles occur each year, with many leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

• - Over 3,500 incidents reported in the last five years
• - 85% of these occurred because drivers passed too closely
• - 81% of horse riders feel vulnerable on the roads
• - 66 horses have died because of collisions with vehicles

These numbers represent just the reported cases, meaning sadly, the real figures could be even higher. So why do horse-rider road incidents keep happening?

1. Lack of Driver Awareness: Some drivers do not understand how to safely pass horses on the road. Some overestimate a horse’s ability to stay calm around fast-moving vehicles.
2. Speeding & Impatience: When drivers fail to slow down or wait patiently, horses can become spooked leading to unpredictable reactions that put everyone at risk.
3. Narrow Roads & Poor Visibility: Many UK roads are rural, winding, and narrow, making it difficult for drivers to spot riders until the last moment.
4. Large Vehicles & Blind Spots: HGVs and vans have larger blind spots and create strong air turbulence, which can cause horses to panic if passed too closely.
5. Limited Safety Infrastructure: Unlike cyclists and pedestrians, equestrians have few dedicated road signs or safe crossings, which could make them more vulnerable in traffic.

 

Large vehicles such as HGVs, vans, and buses pose a greater risk to equestrians due to their size, noise, and airflow. If you drive a commercial vehicle, or drive any vehicle for a living, why not refresh your memory with our essential safety tips when overtaking a horse and rider:

1. Reduce Speed Well in Advance: Horses, as any animal, are unpredictable. If you see a horse ahead or approaching, start slowing down early to avoid sudden braking. Ideally, reduce your speed to 10-15 mph before overtaking.
2. Keep a Wide Distance: HGVs and vans generate significant air turbulence, which can easily unnerve a horse. Leave at least two metres (approx. a full car’s width) between your vehicle and the horse. If the road is too narrow, wait until it is safe to pass.
3. Do Not Rev the Engine or Use Air Brakes: It may seem obvious, but loud noises, such as revving engines, air brakes, or horns, can startle horses, causing them to panic. If you can, pass as quietly as possible and avoid sudden gear changes near horses.
4. Be Extra Cautious on Rural Roads: Most equestrians ride on country roads with blind bends, dips, and uneven surfaces. We suggest that you should always expect to see a horse around corners, so you can be on high alert and be prepared to stop/slow if necessary.
5. Check Your Blind Spots Before Overtaking: Large vehicles have many blind spots. Before overtaking, always double-check that there are no riders ahead or behind you (as well as other road users of course).
6. Watch for Rider Signals & Instructions: Riders may use hand signals to ask you to slow down or stop. Always respect their signals and be prepared to adjust your speed.
7. Avoid Tailgating: If you can’t overtake safely, do not drive too closely behind a horse. The presence of a large vehicle behind can cause the horse to panic, making it more likely to act unpredictably. Keep a safe following distance and wait for an opportunity to pass safely.
8. Be Mindful of Multiple Riders or Carriage Horses: Some riders travel in groups, and some may be leading another horse. Always assess the full situation before overtaking to ensure you pass all riders safely. If in doubt, slow down and follow at a safe distance until you can take a different route or the rider allows you to pass safely.

The rising number of horse-related road incidents is a wake-up call for all UK drivers and fleet managers alike—better awareness, patience, and caution can prevent unnecessary incidents. We believe in accountability and safety for all road users. Whether you're behind the wheel of a car, van, or HGV, or in the saddle, let’s work together to create safer roads for everyone. Have you encountered reckless driving around horses? Or perhaps you've seen some positive, carefully driving? Let us know.