Officers team up with horseriders for road safety campaign
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Officers switched wheels for hooves during a road safety campaign at the weekend.
That’s as the force supported horse riders during their Pass Wide and Slow initiative to raise awareness and increase horse rider’s safety.
Officers accompanied equestrian enthusiasts from the coast and carried out a close pass operation around Blackhall Colliery and High Hesleden.
The family ride involved several horses and some young riders who took part across the UK to highlight changes made to the Highway Code in January 2022.
These now state that when passing a horse, drivers must:
- Slow down and do not pass any faster than 10mph
- Give at least 2m space when passing
- If in doubt, wait and follow direction from the rider
Sunday’s operation, which was supported by the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, saw the majority of road users being patient and supportive of the initiative and only three motorists were stopped and offered advice about safe passing of horses.
Inspector Paul Ryan of Durham Constabulary said: “There are many types of road users and it’s important that for everyone’s safety we all respect each other and understand the differences each mode of transport requires, including those with hooves.
“In a rural county such as Durham we have a number of horse riders who use our roads. Drivers of vehicles need to provide as much space as possible when passing horses, it is important that you slow down and keep your car as quiet as possible. Once you have passed the horse please remember to increase your speed slowly as you drive away.
“Even well-behaved horses can react in certain situations and can be unpredictable. Drivers adhering to the law and guidance on passing not only keeps the horse and rider safe, but it keeps you and those inside your vehicle safe; a horse or rider falling on your car can have devastating consequences.”
Road users who use dash or helmet cams are also being encouraged to submit footage to the force’s Operation Snap if they witness dangerous driving.
The reporting tool allows you to directly upload dashcam footage of potential driving offences such as using a mobile phone at the wheel.
Staff in our Durham Roads & Armed Policing unit then review the footage and if any offences are found to have been committed, the drivers will be dealt with.
If you have dashcam or any other type of footage which clearly shows the offence, the vehicle registration and a date and time stamp, upload it now here https://secureform.nextbase.co.uk/