Police issue safety message for drivers in Lincolnshire as dark winter nights draw in

”Please be patient and pass horses wide and slow” - that's the message for drivers in Lincolnshire this winter as the dark nights draw in.

Lincolnshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit (RPU) has teamed up with horse riders to spread the safety message to reduce collisions on our roads. They are also reminding all road users, including horse riders, to wear high-visibility clothing so it’s easier to see you on roads in the dark.

A force spokesperson explained: “Keen horse-rider, Sergeant Helen Kumar, went out on her horse Dolly with her friend and fellow rider, Debbie Railton on her horse Wilma. They rode through the country lanes of Scothern and Sudbrooke near Lincoln with RPU officers in the area. Several drivers were stopped by officers and given advice on how to pass both horses safely.”

Sgt Kumar, who works for RPU, says most drivers are respectful but she has had first-hand experience of being tailgated by vehicles whilst riding her horse on country lanes: “Everyone has a duty of care to use our roads responsibly and obey the law,” she said.

“Too many drivers don’t give horses enough space and may drive too close or too fast whilst trying to overtake or get past.

“We are asking all drivers to be patient when approaching horses or a horse-drawn vehicle in Lincolnshire. Please slow right down to 10 mph or under.

"Don’t rev your engine, beep your horn or accelerate suddenly. Horses can get easily startled and react unpredictably – this can have devastating consequences.

"Pass wide and slow when safe and keep at least 2 metres distance (6 feet) between you and the horse.”

Sgt Kumar thanked drivers for their patience: “As a horse rider I appreciate it when motorists take the time to pass Dolly and I safely, it makes all the difference and means we can all enjoy using the roads for our rides in Lincolnshire,” she added.