Drivers in Devon & Cornwall are being urged to take more care when passing horse riders to promote safer driving. In 2024, there were 600 injury collisions in the region, including 56 fatal incidents. To prevent accidents, drivers are advised to maintain a safe distance from horses on the road and slow down when approaching and passing them to avoid frightening the animals.

Roads policing officers are using a two-meter close pass mat at awareness events to demonstrate the proper amount of space that should be left when passing a horse or bicycle. The Tamar Trails Happy Hackers group of riders is supporting this campaign, known as ‘Wide and Slow,’ which aligns with the police message and the Highway Code. Sgt. Owen Messenger and his colleagues are actively promoting safe driving practices, emphasizing the importance of giving vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and horse riders, space and patience.

Sgt. Messenger highlights the vulnerability of cyclists and horse riders when vehicles pass too closely, urging drivers to anticipate their movements on the road. By illustrating the minimum safe distance of two meters to pass horses, the police aim to educate drivers on the importance of giving space and being patient with vulnerable road users. The campaign aims to reduce accidents and create a safer environment for all road users in the region.