Drivetech, part of the AA, has issued a reminder to business drivers of their obligations in maintaining equestrian safety, following the recent headlines surrounding the spooked horses in London incident.

Horse riders received special consideration in the most recently updated Highway Code

The British Horse Society (BHS) reported more than 3,000 road incidents involving horses in the UK last year alone, with 66 of these being killed and 86 injured. It’s also released data stating that in the past year, three people have died as a result of these horse-related incidents while another 94 were injured.

Horse riders received special consideration in the most recently updated Highway Code, which introduced a ‘hierarchy of road-users’ and tasked drivers with the responsibility towards reducing the danger they pose to road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

However, many drivers are unaware of these changes. A recent Go Compare study of over 2,000 drivers showed that more than half of them hadn’t brushed up on the Highway Code since passing their test. Alarmingly, some people hadn’t looked at the code in over 40 years of driving.

Nick Butler, director, Drivetech, said: “We believe it’s essential that drivers constantly refresh themselves with the rules of the Highway Code for their own safety and the safety of other road users. Incidents such as the recent events in London surrounding the spooked horses reminds us all how vulnerable our equestrian friends can be in urban environments, and indeed, invites us to consider how to better protect all vulnerable road users.”

Employers also have an obligation to ensure the health and safety of their employees, including when they drive for work, under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

“The facts are stark – not following the rules presents a wholly avoidable threat to human and animal life,” Butler continued. “We urge employers to ensure that employees show their commitment to ensuring the wellbeing and safety of all road users by educating drivers of their obligations to driving safety.”

Drivetech is using its wide variety of training courses and collaboration with drivers and business fleets to continue prioritising the safety and education of all road users.

It’s also published a guide to minimising risk around vulnerable road users, available to download here.