Don’t horse about

BHS launches 10th anniversary Dead Slow campaign

As part of its anniversary Dead Slow campaign, the BHS is reflecting on a decade of concerning statistics. Over the past ten years, nearly 20,000 road incidents involving horses have been recorded. Tragically, eight people have lost their lives, alongside 556 horses — an average of almost 60 horses each year.

The campaign continues to highlight the importance of how drivers approach and pass horses, raising awareness of the serious risks posed by passing too quickly or too closely.

Key messages for drivers include:

• Slow down to a maximum of 10mph
• Be patient — avoid sounding your horn or revving your engine
• Pass horses wide and slow when it is safe to do so
• Move away slowly once past

The BHS is also urging the government to invest further in awareness campaigns to reinforce existing Highway Code guidance, which advises passing horses at no more than 10mph and leaving a minimum distance of two metres.