Motorists urged to drive safely around horses after ‘distressing’ incident close to Derbyshire town

By Tom Hardwick
Published 25th Jan 2023, 11:40 BST
Updated 25th Jan 2023, 13:12 BST
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Derbyshire drivers have been warned to take care when passing horses after reports of a ‘distressing’ incident.

On Tuesday, January 24, the Bolsover Safer Neighbourhood Team received reports of a driver passing a horse dangerously on Oxcroft Lane, Oxcroft.

In a Facebook post, an SNT spokesperson said: “Although the road is a national speed limit road, you drive to the conditions of the road. It can be very distressing not just for the horse but for the rider.”

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The SNT shared the following advice for drivers on how to pass horses safely:

Derbyshire drivers have been warned to take care when passing horses after reports of a ‘distressing’ incident.Derbyshire drivers have been warned to take care when passing horses after reports of a ‘distressing’ incident.
Derbyshire drivers have been warned to take care when passing horses after reports of a ‘distressing’ incident.

Slow down to a maximum of 10mph and be ready to stop.

Be patient – do not sound your horn or rev your engine.

Watch out for signals from the rider to slow down or stop.

Pass the horse wide and slow, allowing at least a car’s width if possible.

Accelerate gently once you’ve passed the horse.

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Motorists were reminded that many horse riders are children or teenagers, and that they sometimes ride in double file to protect novice riders or nervous horses. The SNT also warned drivers that horses can be easily spooked or frightened, and can occasionally panic in traffic.