The annual 'Horses in traffic' initiative is underway from October to November to highlight the importance of taking care when driving around horses in traffic.
Horses can be unpredictable and easily spooked. This initiative reminds motorists to slow down, leave plenty of room and never use the car horn or rev the engine if passing a horse in traffic.
Over the 10-year period from 2015 to 2024p* there were:
- 8 casualty crashes involving a ridden horse, resulting in 10 casualties.
- 43 casualty crashes involving a riderless horse struck by a road vehicle, resulting in 47 casualties.
*The data for 2024 is preliminary and subject to change.
Horse riders also have a responsibility to take care on the road and are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, ride on roads where motorists have a good line of sight, wear high visibility clothing and a helmet that meets Australian Standards, and if possible, ride during daylight hours.
Learn more: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/road-users/drivers/animals#Horses_in_traffic_
