Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyMoving Hazards

You are driving along a rural road and come up behind two horse riders travelling in the same direction. What should you do?

  1. A
    Sound your horn to warn the riders of your approach
  2. B
    Flash your headlights to indicate that the riders should pull over
  3. Slow down, stay well back, and pass wide and slowly when it is safe to do soAnswer
  4. D
    Overtake immediately with close clearance to minimize the time spent near the animals

Answer

Slow down, stay well back, and pass wide and slowly when it is safe to do so
Horses are unpredictable and easily frightened by fast-moving traffic or sudden engine noise. When approaching horse riders, drivers should reduce their speed significantly, stay well behind, keep engine revs low, and pass wide (allowing at least 2 metres of clearance) at no more than 10 mph when it is safe.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the moving hazard ahead as vulnerable road users
Recognise the risk of unpredictable animal behaviour
Horses can be startled by sudden vehicle noise, speed, and close proximity
2
Reduce speed and maintain a safe following distance behind the riders
Vehicle is travelling at a slow, controlled speed with a generous safety margin
To avoid alarming the horses and allow sufficient time to react if they become unsettled
3
Wait until the road ahead is clear and pass wide and slowly
Safe overtake completed without startling the animals
The Highway Code requires passing horses at 10 mph or less and giving at least 2 metres of clearance

Key Concept

Safely anticipating and managing moving hazards involving equestrian road users
Estimated Time:35s
Rate this question

Topics

Moving Hazards

More questions from this topic