Terrifying Encounters: Horse Riders Share Close Calls on the Road

Horse riders inNorthern Irelandhave opened up on their near misses with vehicles on the road as part of new PSNI road safety appeal.

Operation Gallop: A Road Safety Initiative
ThePolice Service of Northern Irelandis working with the British Horse Society under the banner of Operation Gallop to raise awareness among road users of how to use our roads safely as both horse riders and motorists.

Personal Testimonies
Craig Hills from Co Down has been riding horses for close to 30 years and shared a recent near miss experience he had. He recounted an incident where a car sped past the horse, splashed it with a puddle, causing it to fall over, and leaving Craig on the road. Roseanna Andrew from Belfast also shared a harrowing encounter where a sports car sped past them dangerously close while out for a hack with their horses in the Lisburn area.

Road Safety Message
Both riders emphasize the importance of drivers approaching horses with caution, giving them space and time on the road. They stress that sharing the road requires mutual respect and vigilance from both drivers and riders to prevent potentially fatal accidents. Superintendent Joanne Gibson highlights the significance of understanding how to act when encountering a horse on the road, emphasizing the potential consequences of startling these large animals.