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Difficulty: HardOvertaking Rules

You are driving along a rural single-carriageway road and approach a horse and rider travelling in the same direction. The road ahead is straight and clear of oncoming traffic. What is the safest and correct procedure to follow when overtaking them?

  1. Slow down to a maximum speed of 10 mph, avoid revving the engine or sounding the horn, and pass wide, leaving at least 2 metres of clearance.Answer
  2. B
    Sound the horn briefly from a distance to alert the rider, then accelerate past promptly, giving at least 1.5 metres of clearance.
  3. C
    Flash the headlights to signal the rider to move onto the grass verge, then proceed past at normal road speed.
  4. D
    Maintain your cruising speed while moving into the opposite lane, providing at least 1 metre of lateral clearance.

Answer

Slow down to a maximum speed of 10 mph, avoid revving the engine or sounding the horn, and pass wide, leaving at least 2 metres of clearance.
Under Highway Code Rule 163, drivers overtaking horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles must pass wide and slow, slowing down to a maximum of 10 mph, keeping engine revs low without sounding the horn, and leaving at least 2 metres of clearance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the vulnerability of the road user ahead and reduce vehicle speed.
Vehicle speed is reduced to under 10 mph before approaching the horse and rider.
Horses are large, unpredictable animals easily frightened by fast-moving vehicles.
2
Manage engine noise and refrain from using warning devices.
The engine is kept at low revs and the horn is not used.
Sudden loud noises or revving can spook the horse, causing it to bolt or throw the rider.
3
Execute the overtaking manoeuvre when the road ahead is clear, allowing adequate lateral distance.
The driver overtakes smoothly in the opposite lane, maintaining at least 2 metres of clearance.
Highway Code Rule 163 specifically mandates a minimum clearance of 2 metres and a passing speed below 10 mph for horse riders.

Key Concept

Overtaking vulnerable road users (horse riders) safely with appropriate speed and clearance
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Overtaking Rules

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