Horse Sense For Drivers

To the Editor,

Here are some tips for drivers from the Newtown Bridle Lands Association.

As more trails are lost to residential and commercial development or cut off by new roads, it is often necessary for riders to ride on the side of the roads to get from one trail to the next. Riders do not enjoy this hazardous traverse and try to do it as safely as possible. To ensure the safety of both riders and drivers on Newtown’s roads, the NBLA, in cooperation with the police department, purchased road signs with the symbol of a horse and rider. These signs are placed throughout the town wherever cars may encounter horses and riders on the side of the road.

Riders should proceed at a walk, single file, on the right side of the road (with the traffic) on the shoulder, observing all traffic directions and regulations. Riders should stop at stop signs and signal turns if there are motorists behind them. If a rider wants traffic to slow down, he or she should wave a hand, palm down.

When you encounter a rider and horse on the road, treat the horse in the same manner you would a group of small children playing on the side of the road: slow down to 30 miles per hour or less, and be prepared to stop if there are any signs that the horse in going to bolt. Horses have an instinct to run from danger.

In the State Department of Motor Vehicles manual are warnings that drivers must slow down and stop if necessary to avoid frightening or striking a horse. Drivers can also be held legally liable if they cause an accident by ignoring safety rules around equestrians. It is important to remember that in the State of Connecticut, equestrians have the right-of-way.

There are some simple and common sense guidelines to follow as you meet riders and our four-hoofed neighbors.

1. Slow down when approaching a horse.

2. Never sound your car horn, or “gun” your engine.

3. Pass with a wide berth, at least six to eight feet from the horse. Pass completely in the other lane allowing plenty of room as you return to the right lane. Never cut in quickly as you pass.

4. Let on-coming traffic pass the horse first if the horse is in front of you.

5. STOP if the rider is having difficulty controlling the horse.

6. Drive a minimum of 15-28 feet behind a horse, or a horse-drawn cart, when following.

7. Remember: you can be held legally liable if your unsafe auctions around a horse or carriage cause an accident.

Safety and enjoyment of our roads is important to all of us. Please help our riders by using your good “horse sense” as you meet us on the roads!

Jill Stilson

George’s Hill Road                           April 10, 2000