“Dead Slow” campaign urges drivers to curb their speed

An Orkney Islands Councillor has shared her “near miss” with a driver whilst horse-riding in a bid to raise awareness of a British Horse Society (BHS) road safety campaign “Dead Slow.” 

Councillor Gillian Skuse, who is an experienced equestrian, having ridden horses for most of her life, is backing the campaign which aims to increase road safety for horse riders, horses and drivers. 

She said: “I always ride to the side of the road and pull into a passing place or driveway as soon as I can if the vehicle cannot get by me. I always wear Hi Viz clothing to make sure we are seen.” 

In general, most folk are polite and courteous on passing, Councillor Skuse added. 

“However, not all are. I now wear a camera on my riding hat due to a near miss recently when a local driver nearly hit me on my horse because they were driving too fast and not paying attention to the road. It was not a pleasant experience at all, and the occupants of the car took no responsibility. Even sounding the horn as they left because they thought it was my fault for being on the road. 

“Just slow down and pass wide. The horse rider will let you know if it’s best to stop or just keep coming towards them. Some drivers panic and think they must get past the horse as quickly as possible but it’s actually the reverse - take your time.” 

The Highway Code was updated two years ago to specifically describe how horses and horse drawn vehicles should always be passed wide (at least two metres) and slow (10mph). 

The British Horse Society say that in 2023, 66 horses and three equestrians were killed on UK roads. Overall, nearly 3,400 equine related road incidents were recorded via their Horse i app last year, with 85% of those occurring because a driver passed by too closely or quickly. 

The Council’s Service Manager (Transportation), Laura Cromarty, has been involved with horses and ponies since she was 5 years old. 

She said: “In general, most drivers are courteous and respectful when passing on a road, however some are not aware of the Highway Code and that they should slow right down to 10 mph. For young riders and/or ponies, this is particularly important. 

“We have experienced some incidents whereby as per the Highway Code, I have put out my arm to ask the driver to slow down and instead they have blasted the horn whilst approaching my young daughter on her pony. We have also experienced drivers passing at speed with little awareness of the need to slow down. 

“Please, it only takes a few additional seconds to follow the Highway Code which can make all the difference to the horse and rider.” 

Riders should also take care to make themselves as visible as possible using Hi-Viz and taking their horse into a passing place, layby or driveway when safe to do so. 

The Council’s Road Safety Forum Chair, Councillor Kristopher Leask, said: “Thankfully, tragic instances involving horses here in Orkney are rare, but we have heard reports of riders being concerned over some driver behaviour on the roads. 

“Even the most experienced and well-trained horses can be startled by unexpected movements or loud noises, like a car passing at great speed. It is very important for all road users to pass horses safely, following the guidance set out in the Highway Code. 

“We would ask both drivers and riders to be respectful of one another and pay heed to the messaging. We are happy to support the Dead Slow campaign here in Orkney.” 

The BHS also encourages people to download the ‘Horse i’ app and use it to report accidents with horses, as well as incidents that could potentially have resulted in injury to a horse or driver. 

Police Scotland’s Inspector David Hall, based at Kirkwall Police Station, said: “We would encourage road users to be aware of their surroundings at all times, and especially when  passing by horses and riders. 

"Being mindful and courteous to others can go a long way to reducing unnecessary incidents and tragedies on our roads – most of which are preventable. I’m sure the last thing anyone would want is to cause harm to another person or animal, with the potential for a prosecution, court appearance and even a prison sentence. 

“Any concerns can be reported to the Police on 101.”