High Visibility

The use of high visibility or hi viz safety gear is becoming much more accepted by riders, both for themselves and their horses, as an all year round essential for road use.

The majority of us horse owners work full time to be able to afford our 4 legged friends and so we have to exercise either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. With autumn bringing shorter days, this means that we are riding out in the half light and if we are riding a dark coloured horse in dark coloured clothing, we are an accident waiting to happen.
The highway code (rule 36) advises riders not to ride on the roads at night or in poor visibility, yet in practice there is very little alternative for many riders. Those who must use the roads in these conditions should certainly ensure that their horse has reflective bands above the fetlock joints and carry a light, which shows white at the front and red at the rear.



According to the British Horse Society (BHS) whatever the weather conditions, a driver will on average spot a rider wearing hi-viz clothing up to three seconds sooner that one without. This is equivalent to a car, being driven at 30mph, travelling the full length of a full size dressage arena– a thought that puts it into perspective for many riders.
Liverpool mounted police argue that winter is by no means the only danger time. It is more dangerous to ride on the road in the summer because of the bright blinding sunshine, the dark shadows from the trees and hedges which you cannot see through, people also drive faster and drink driving increases.

Road safety facts according to the British Horse Society.

• There are over 2.4 million riders in the UK
• There are over 26 million licensed vehicles on the road today
• Over 50% of all road accidents involving horses happen on minor roads.
• One in seven riders have an accident while riding on the roads

 

What's advisable

The BHS strongly recommends that all riders should wear fluorescent and reflective clothing each and every time they ride out regardless of the time of day, time of year or prevailing weather conditions. This applies equally to those who ride off-road as in the event of any accident, the wearing of hi viz equipment makes it easier for any rescuer to locate them.

Petplan equine, one of the UK’s leading equine insurance providers, encourages the wearing of hi viz clothing as part of it’s ‘responsible horse ownership ‘ approach, but cautions that even those taking responsible measures can be involved in an accident. Jo Whittaker, spokes person for petplan equine comments ‘the wearing of hi viz clothing is vital for safety as motorist can see a rider wearing hi viz clothing three seconds sooner than one who is not ,giving the driver longer to take defensive action.

The first thing a driver sees is the horses lower legs, whether viewed from behind or in front. It is also important to highlight the riders head as this can be seen above car height in built up areas and also above from fences and hedgerows on country roads. The majority of accidents involve cars approaching from the rear-it is therefore important to make sure you can be seen in fluorescent, reflective gear. The most effective items when viewed from behind are leg bands, tail reflectors, exercise sheets and tabards. The best kind of outfit to wear is one which combines fluorescent and reflective materials. This should be worn in all conditions and is essential in poor weather. Put together an outfit covering the horses legs, head and rear and your head and body for maximum visibility. Bear in mind that if brow bands are covered by the forelock it will make them ineffective. Each rider should wear roughly four items to be visible to car drivers, split between the rider and the horse. Do remember that hi-viz items regularly need replacing.

Whatever the weather conditions
A driver will on average spot a rider wearing Hi Viz clothing up to three seconds sooner than one without.


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