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Question

Difficulty: MediumAnimals and Horse Riders

While travelling along a narrow country lane, you notice two equestrians riding side by side ahead of your vehicle. What is the most appropriate course of action?

  1. A
    Flash your headlights repeatedly so the outer rider realizes you want to get past
  2. Reduce your speed, remain patiently behind, and only overtake when you can give at least 2 metres of clearance at under 10 mphAnswer
  3. C
    Accelerate swiftly past in a low gear to minimise the total time spent alongside the animals
  4. D
    Move directly into the opposing lane to pass without checking your side mirrors or blind spots

Answer

Reduce your speed, remain patiently behind, and only overtake when you can give at least 2 metres of clearance at under 10 mph.
Horses are easily frightened animals, and riders often ride two abreast to protect a young, nervous, or inexperienced horse or rider. The Highway Code (Rule 215) instructs drivers to slow down, drop speed to a maximum of 10 mph, hold back patiently without revving or sounding the horn, and only overtake when safe while allowing at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of clearance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Recognize the vulnerability of horses and riders
Driver understands that horse riders frequently ride two abreast (in double file) to protect a nervous or novice horse or rider.
Horses are unpredictable flight animals that can easily become frightened by sudden vehicle movements or loud engine noises.
2
Apply the official Highway Code passing guidance
Driver drops speed to under 10 mph, holds back at a safe following distance, avoids sounding the horn or revving the engine, and waits for a clear, safe view ahead before giving at least 2 metres of passing space.
Rule 215 of The Highway Code specifies passing horse riders slowly (maximum 10 mph) and giving at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of lateral clearance.

Key Concept

Safe procedure for approaching and overtaking horse riders riding two abreast
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Animals and Horse Riders

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