As summer winds to an end and the long daylight hours give way to earlier sunsets, many equestrians will have to start rethinking their routines. Work and school schedules don’t always allow for riding earlier in the day, and many horse owners don’t want to restrict all of their fall and winter riding to the arena. Many devoted riders who have to ride close to or across roads to get to their preferred trails will don brightly colored or reflective clothing to improve safety as the days get darker. But is that an effective strategy?
Most riders who returned the survey—60%–had experienced a near-miss in traffic. Most respondents also reported wearing bright or reflective gear. However, there was no significant difference in the likelihood of a near-miss between those who did wear bright or reflective equipment and those who didn’t, suggesting that even reflectors aren’t enough to get motorists to pay attention.
However, the survey did reveal that lights could be helpful for riders on roads. A large majority of respondents who wore some kind of lights when riding on the road never experienced a near-miss.
Traffic accidents can be devastating for horses and riders. Small LED lights designed for use by runners, cyclists and dog-walkers are inexpensive, widely available and can be easily adapted for equestrian use. Equestrians in most states are required to ride in the same direction as motorized traffic. Affixing a light where it will be visible to someone coming up behind a horse, such as the back of the rider’s jacket, could be a life-saving measure.
Road safety: is there a relationship between ‘near misses’ and the use of rider and horse reflective/fluorescent equipment?
Rose M. Scofield, Hannah Savin, and Hayley Randle, Duchy College, Callington, Cornwall, UK
Proceedings of the International Society of Equitation Science (2013) p. 30
Education for all drivers, should be taught that horses and riders have the right of way. There are laws, which state that if a rider ask a driver to stop or slow down, it should be taught to all drivers.
cool
Great advice.
cool
But who wants to wear a light on their back when they’re riding? That’s like wearing a helmet. =/
interesting
cool
j
My friend, who makes a living leading trail rides, sometimes rides in the dusk, or on moonlight rides. Even though there is mostly trails and feilds to go in, sometimes they go on the road for short periods of time. She has reflective strips (bought from Curves) on the bottom of her stirrups, and reflective bandages around the horses tail. She was never ‘almost-hit’.
I have a bright orange vest that I wear when I am out on the road after dark, when I remember to bring it along!