You are driving along a rural single-carriageway road and approach a horse and rider travelling ahead in your lane. Arrange the following actions in the correct chronological sequence for safely dealing with and passing the equestrian.
- 1Check your mirrors, ease off the accelerator to reduce speed significantly, and keep engine revs low.
- 2Hold back at a safe distance behind the horse until you have a clear view of the road ahead and no oncoming traffic.
- 3Signal if necessary and overtake slowly at no more than 10 mph, leaving at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of clearance.
- 4Check your mirrors and steer smoothly back to the nearside lane once well past the horse.
Answer
The correct sequence is to first slow down and keep engine revs low, then hold back at a safe distance until the road ahead is clear, followed by overtaking slowly at no more than 10 mph with at least 2 metres of clearance, and finally returning to the nearside position once well clear.
Under Rule 215 of the UK Highway Code, drivers must show consideration when encountering horse riders. The correct procedure requires slowing down early and keeping engine revs low to avoid startling the horse, holding back at a safe distance until the road ahead is clear, overtaking at a maximum of 10 mph while giving at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of clearance, and not pulling back across until safely clear.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Safe procedure and passing clearances for equestrians under UK Highway Code Rule 215
Estimated Time:1m 0s