Drivers' Close Passes to Horse Riders Raise Safety Concerns in Buckinghamshire

A recent police operation in Buckinghamshire highlighted concerning behavior from drivers who passed too close to horse riders on the road. The initiative, carried out in collaboration with the British Horse Society and Travel Safe Bucks, aimed to educate drivers on the correct way to pass horse riders safely. The operation at Butlers Cross, Aylesbury, found that drivers passed too close to horse riders 11 times within 90 minutes, with many seeming unaware of the correct passing distance and procedure.

Key Takeaways:

• The police operation found that drivers passed too close to horse riders 11 times within 90 minutes, highlighting a need for education on road safety.
• Many drivers were unaware of the correct way to pass horse riders, including not slowing down to 10 mph and passing at least 2 meters wide.
• The British Horse Society and Travel Safe Bucks collaborated with Buckinghamshire Highways to provide "essential guidance" to drivers and riders on road safety.
• The guidance included advising drivers to slow down to 10 mph, avoid revving engines or honking horns, pass at least 2 meters wide, and drive away slowly.
• Horse riders were advised to stay alert, use clear hand signals, wear high-vis gear, and be courteous and polite.

Statistics:

• 11 instances of drivers passing too close to horse riders within 90 minutes.
• Buckinghamshire Highways stated that many drivers seemed unaware of the correct passing distance and procedure.

Sources:

• Buckinghamshire Highways
• The British Horse Society
• Travel Safe Bucks

Note: No external references were provided in the original text, so sources are cited exactly as mentioned in the original material.